By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of The Knowledge Doc.

Removing a uterus doesn’t just take away a reproductive organ; it can upend the body’s hormonal orchestra and leave you scrambling for support you never expected.

The hidden roles of the uterus and ovaries

Many patients are told that once they’re past menopause, the uterus and ovaries are no longer essential. Dr. Eric Berg D.C. challenges that notion, noting that the uterus remains active tissue that continuously responds to hormones throughout life. It helps stabilize the pelvic floor, shares blood supply with the ovaries, and influences the bladder and lower rectum. When the uterus is removed, the delicate hormonal balance that the body has built over years is abruptly disrupted.

The natural transition into menopause is a gradual process, allowing fat tissue, the adrenal glands and the hypothalamus to pick up some of the estrogen production. “Your fat makes estrogen, and it’s supposed to slowly adapt and take over some of the slack,” Dr. Berg explains. Cutting that gradual decline short removes the safety net that the body relies on.

Health risks that surface after surgery

Without the uterus and its hormonal support, several systems can suffer. Estrogen helps produce nitric oxide, a vasodilator that keeps arteries relaxed. Its loss can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and increase blood pressure by as much as 2.5 times. Bone health also takes a hit; estrogen’s protective effect on bone density disappears, heightening the chance of osteoporosis or osteopenia.

Insulin resistance is another concern. “Insulin resistance…starts going complications,” Dr. Berg says, pointing out that the cascade of hormonal changes can make it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar, potentially leading to pre‑diabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Why traditional medical follow‑up falls short

Patients often receive an informed‑consent form that lists some complications, but many of the long‑term risks are omitted. Moreover, the aftermath of a hysterectomy rarely stays within the realm of gynecology. A cardiologist may address rising blood pressure, an endocrinologist may monitor bone loss, and a urologist may treat bladder issues—each treating a symptom rather than the root hormonal disruption.

This siloed approach can leave patients feeling bounced between specialists, each unaware of the broader picture. Dr. Berg emphasizes the need for a coordinated strategy that looks at the body as an integrated system.

Practical steps to restore balance

Dr. Berg outlines a four‑part protocol. First, intermittent fasting can dramatically lower insulin, allowing the body to free up more estrogen and testosterone. He recommends skipping breakfast to avoid “anabolic resistance,” a condition where muscles struggle to grow after surgery.

Second, high‑quality, low‑carb protein sources—such as egg yolks, shrimp and other seafood—provide the cholesterol needed to synthesize sex hormones. Pairing this protein with resistance training helps rebuild muscle mass and naturally boosts testosterone.

Third, find a clinician experienced in bioidentical hormone therapy, especially creams that deliver a balanced mix of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and cortisol. Without proper dosing, hormone replacement may fall short.

Finally, focus on key nutrients. Vitamin D3 (at least 10,000 IU daily) acts as a hormonal precursor, while vitamin K2 supports calcium placement in bone. Trace minerals like boron, selenium and iodine protect bone health and support thyroid function, and magnesium remains essential for overall metabolic stability.

Putting it all together

Recovering from a hysterectomy isn’t just about healing surgical incisions; it’s about rebuilding a hormonal environment that the body expects. By combining intermittent fasting, targeted protein, strength training, bioidentical hormones and a focused supplement regimen, patients can mitigate the elevated risks of heart disease, bone loss and insulin resistance.

Dr. Berg cautions that no single element will succeed in isolation. “If you’re just doing bioidentical hormones and you don’t change your diet and you don’t do resistance training, you’re probably not going to see a lot of good results,” he warns. The full protocol requires a holistic, disciplined approach.

Understanding the cascade of changes that follow a hysterectomy empowers women to take proactive steps rather than reacting to each new specialist’s siloed advice. With the right knowledge and a coordinated plan, the long‑term health impacts can be significantly softened.

The full episode of The Knowledge Doc is available on OBBM Network TV.