In clinical practice, I often hear patients say their family doctors or gynecologists have told them that removing the uterus has no adverse effects as long as they don’t plan to have children. But is this really true?
Modern research has shown that there are intricate interactions between the brain and the uterus/ovaries, akin to a two-way conversation. A critical part of this interaction involves estrogen. Far beyond its role in maintaining female reproductive health, estrogen contributes to endocrine balance, cardiovascular health, metabolism, bone growth, and even brain function, including memory and cognition.
Studies reveal that removing the uterus and ovaries significantly increases the risk of neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Alarmingly, even long-term estrogen replacement therapy cannot fully mitigate these effects, as the issue is not merely about estrogen itself but the dynamic interplay between the brain and the uterus/ovaries—a relationship we are only beginning to understand.
Lessons from Chinese Medicine and Modern Science
Chinese medicine often appears esoteric but contains profound insights that modern medicine can learn from. Take estrogen and testosterone as examples. These hormones are often highlighted as key differentiators between genders. While both decrease with age, testosterone in men declines gradually, whereas estrogen in women drops sharply during menopause. This abrupt change has led many scientists to worry that women age faster than men biologically.
The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon observed this pattern thousands of years ago, stating that women age in seven-year cycles, while men age in eight-year cycles. The text elaborates on how these natural rhythms affect aging and fertility, offering a holistic perspective that challenges modern medical assumptions.
Instead of dismissing these ancient theories as mere folklore, we should consider their potential to inspire new hypotheses and innovative approaches in medical research. Classical Chinese medicine does not require validation from modern studies, but modern science could undoubtedly benefit from exploring the comprehensive, systemic insights it provides.
Rethinking Uterine Health
Next time a doctor tells you, “If you’re not planning to have children, removing your uterus is harmless,” consider asking them about the brain-uterus connection. If their response is limited to the brain commanding the uterus and ovaries to secrete hormones, without acknowledging the reverse influence on brain function and cognition, they may need to review the latest research findings.
The uterus is not just a reproductive organ—it is an integral part of your overall health and well-being. Let’s embrace both ancient wisdom and modern science to achieve a deeper understanding of our bodies.