I returned home late last night after working with Dr. Gabhart on my second book about hormone balancing. I know, I know, get the first one finished first! I’m getting there, slow but sure.
Anyway, when I got home, I did a quick check of my email messages from the day. This one from a friend got me fired up:
“Hi Rosie! I miss you…I do have a question for you.
What is your opinion on NovaSure? Does this have an impact on hormone levels etc…?
Would you have it done?
I value your opinion…thanks Rosie.”
For those of you not familiar, here’s what comes up when you Google NovaSure: “The NovaSure endometrial procedure is a simple, one-time treatment that gently removes the lining of the uterus to control heavy bleeding. The NovaSure endometrial ablation procedure is treatment for irregular menstrual cycles and heavy bleeding, or menorrhagia. Say No More with the NovaSure procedure, the quick, safe and simple one-time treatment with No Hormones and No Hysterectomy. NovaSure can treat excessive bleeding so that you can go on with your life.”
Here is my response:
“Well, I cannot give advice, not legally allowed to, but I can tell you what I would do if it were me. Apparently it is for heavy periods? My question is, “What is the root cause of the heavy bleeding?” NovaSure is not the root cause. NovaSure is a treatment for a symptom. If it were me, I’d have a complete hormone evaluation: sex hormones, thyroid, and adrenal evaluation to see what the root cause is and then work to fix that. And it takes the right practitioner to know WHICH tests to order, because most are not aware of the correct tests to order.
I have read 4 books on the thyroid and one on the adrenal these past couple of months. I have added info in my manuscript about the thyroid and the adrenals. There is a whole lot more going on besides progesterone. I am working with Dr. Gabhart to write a second book. She understands complete hormone balancing as well as any expert in the literature, so if it were me, I would go to her for an evaluation. She helped me to uncover hypothyroidism in myself. Among many other things, I kept gaining weight and couldn’t lose. I am on the upswing now, and I am a full-fledged believer in balancing all the hormones. That’s what needs to be done to make all the stupid, needless symptoms go away – fix the root cause. OK, off my soap box now!”
Think about it…look at the advertisement for the ablation procedure: “gently removes the lining of the uterus to control heavy bleeding.” My first question is, “How do you gently remove the lining of the uterus?” Is this a natural, normal thing to do? My next question: “What caused the heavy bleeding in the first place? Is removing the lining going to fix the original root cause?”
OK, so let’s say the lining is now removed. What other effects of hormone imbalance are happening in the body besides the heavy bleeding? Did the ablation fix that? What’s going to show up next? Another question, I wonder how much money these procedures are bringing in? What if those procedures could be avoided?
Denise responded to a blog article I wrote last week and recommended the book The H Word by Nora W. Coffey and Rick Schweikert, available on Amazon or through the HERS Foundation. I am so grateful to her for making me aware of this book, published in 2008. I just received my copy and have only read the first two chapters, but I can already tell I am going to appreciate this book! Here is what the caption says on the cover: “The diagnostic studies to evaluate symptoms, alternatives in treatment, and coping with the aftereffects of hysterectomy.”
My recommendation: invest some time in yourself. Start reading and educating yourself about hormone balancing so that you are in a better place to actively participate in your care and consequent outcomes. A good place to start is Hormone Balance Made Simple by Dr. John Lee and Virginia Hopkins. Next, share your learnings with other women. Together we will make a positive impact in our own lives and the lives of others.
