Article: Mini Periods After Hysterectomy

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Article: Mini Periods After Hysterectomy
There is a lot of discussion on the pros and cons of a subtotal hysterectomy where the cervix is retained and the total hysterectomy where the uterus and the cervix are both removed. One significant difference that is of importance to many women is the risk of cyclical bleeding or the mini period.

When a partial or supracervical hysterectomy is done a very small part of the uterus is left to form a small cuff to sew shut where the uterus used to be; when the ovaries cycle there can be the normal monthly shedding from this tissue. Most doctors will try to core out or cauterize any endometrium that remains. Sometimes there can be some that is missed. The cervix is part of the uterus and the surgeon must use their best judgment on where to draw the line separating the two.

One study I read found that almost 12 percent of women having a subtotal hysterectomy were experiencing ongoing bleeding one year after their surgery. Another study found 7 percent to have continued monthly bleeding.

For most women the bleeding is no more than a nuisance consisting of spotting once a month for a few hours or days but for some the bleeding is significantly more. Mini periods will often go away in time. Some women have them for 3 or 4 months and then they taper down to nothing.

If bleeding is a problem you can try cauterization that often takes care of the problem. There are also reports of women who have had to have their cervix removed later to alleviate pain or bleeding that persists after their hysterectomy.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.