Wondering about specific reasons for getting a hysto after being on T

[Jameson]

Hey Guys,

I've heard anecdotally (here in the threads) that it is recommended by some Drs that you should have a hysterectomy after you've been on T for several (5?) years and not having cycles. Can anyone tell me what the specific reasons given are? Is it for hormone balance, due to organ atrophy, or something else altogether?

[AeroZeppelin92]

I've read that there isn't enough research to conclude, but testosterone may increase risk for cancers, ie cervical cancer. Also getting regular Pap smears are important but can be traumatic for some of us, therefore a total hysterectomy is recommended.

[FTMax]

My doctor implied that it would be something I'd need to start considering around the year on T mark, and have completed by 5 years. Since that's the timeline I was hoping for myself, I didn't inquire too much about the reasoning. I think Aero is generally correct in that it may increase the risk for certain downstairs cancers. I believe there is also an increased risk for endometriosis.

If someone hasn't dropped in here with a solid answer, shoot me a PM later this week and remind me. I see my doctor on Friday and can ask her in person.

[Jameson]

Thanks guys,

I had planned to get this done for other medical reasons this year and bought the high grade insurance thinking it would be covered. Now my insurance company is balking. I guess I was hoping that after several years of non-use (no cycles) there might be some visually detectable reason, like atrophy, that might show on an ultrasound. 

[Dex]

I've heard that after a while on t (not sure how long, probably varies) that your ovaries can begin looking poly cystic (multiple "unruptured" follicles) and that that can be painful. Also, for reasons mentioned above (could increase risk of cancer but they aren't sure, psychological reasons (not wanting to get a pap which is unsafe, just general discomfort with knowing those organs are there)).

I had a hysterectomy about 5 months ago at about 15 months on T. I had always had endometriosis and poly cystic ovaries though. I had had a couple surgeries previously related to those issues and the pain didn't get better once the normal functions of those organs were stopped with T. So, for me, insurance didn't challenge it since I had a concrete paper trail of issues going back almost 15 years.

If you do have PCOS type presentation, that should show up in an ultrasound.

[Bimmer Guy]

Thanks guys,

I had planned to get this done for other medical reasons this year and bought the high grade insurance thinking it would be covered. Now my insurance company is balking. I guess I was hoping that after several years of non-use (no cycles) there might be some visually detectable reason, like atrophy, that might show on an ultrasound. 

In the past professionals believed that long term use of T caused cervical cancer.  There is no proof of this and the research continues to show this again and again.  I believe that the UK still completes this as part of their standard practice.  I was surprised to hear Marta from Serbia (Miroslav Djordjevic) state this belief (causes cervical cancer), in a workshop at Philly trans this year.  Many FTM hands went up to contradict her.

For some FTMs the hysto is important to them because those organs are very dyphoric for them.  Too, in order to have a vaginectomy (to create the perineum of a male), you must have this surgery.

Hey Guys,

I've heard anecdotally (here in the threads) that it is recommended by some Drs that you should have a hysterectomy after you've been on T for several (5?) years and not having cycles. Can anyone tell me what the specific reasons given are? Is it for hormone balance, due to organ atrophy, or something else altogether?

Testosterone causes atrophy in the vagina (unless someone is using it for penetration).  It begins at the 6 month mark.

[Jameson]

In the past professionals believed that long term use of T caused cervical cancer.  There is no proof of this and the research continues to show this again and again.  I believe that the UK still completes this as part of their standard practice.  I was surprised to hear Marta from Serbia (Miroslav Djordjevic) state this belief (causes cervical cancer), in a workshop at Philly trans this year.  Many FTM hands went up to contradict her.

For some FTMs the hysto is important to them because those organs are very dyphoric for them.  Too, in order to have a vaginectomy (to create the perineum of a male), you must have this surgery.

Testosterone causes atrophy in the vagina (unless someone is using it for penetration).  It begins at the 6 month mark.

Ah Ha! Thank you, this answers my question. I thought perhaps the atrophy would be due to not having cycles for a number of years. If it is the T itself I can't go that route.

One of my many reasons would be for cancer prevention, if the organs aren't there, it would eliminate that specific risk.