Why a Hysterectomy DOESN’T Cure Endometriosis

Why a Hysterectomy DOESN’T Cure Endometriosis

Living with chronic pelvic pain can be overwhelming, confusing and exhausting especially when well meaning people suggest that a hysterectomy will “fix everything.” If you’ve ever been told, “Just get your uterus removed, you’ll feel better,” you’re not alone.

But here’s the truth: a hysterectomy is not a cure for endometriosis and here’s exactly why.

Endometriosis lesions respond to hormones like estrogen, causing inflammation, bleeding, swelling, nerve pain, scar tissue, and adhesions. All outside the uterus, where the body can’t naturally clear it away.

Why Hysterectomy Isn’t a Cure

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. In some cases, it’s combined with removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) and/or fallopian tubes (salpingectomy). It might seem logical that removing reproductive organs could stop the pain, but here’s why that logic doesn’t hold up for endometriosis:

1. Endometriosis Grows Outside the Uterus

Endometriosis doesn’t grow inside the uterus, it just mimics uterine tissue. Removing the uterus doesn’t remove the endo lesions living on your bladder, bowel, peritoneum or nerves. If those lesions are left behind, the pain, inflammation and swelling can continue or return.

2. It’s Hormone Sensitive, Not Hormone-Dependent

Endometriosis is sensitive to estrogen but not dependent on it to survive. Even if you remove your ovaries (which produce most of your estrogen), your body can still make estrogen through:

  • The adrenal glands

  • Body fat

  • Conversion of other hormones

This means endo lesions can still be triggered, even post hysterectomy.

3. Adenomyosis is Not the Same as Endometriosis

Many people confuse these two conditions:

  • Endometriosis = Tissue like the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.

  • Adenomyosis = Tissue from the uterine lining grows into the muscle wall of the uterus.

A hysterectomy can cure adenomyosis because it removes the uterus entirely. But it won’t cure endometriosis as it can continue to grow even after excision surgery.

4. Pain Can Continue Even After Surgery

Studies show up to 60% of people still experience pain after hysterectomy if endometriosis lesions weren’t properly removed. This is why expert excision surgery (cutting lesions out at the root) is the gold standard not ablation (burning the surface) or relying on hysterectomy alone.

What can help? 

For many, the most effective relief comes from a multi layered approach:

  • ✂️ Expert excision surgery (not just removal of reproductive organs)

  • 🌿 Holistic support, including:

    • Anti inflammatory diets

    • Magnesium oil for inflammation & muscle tension

    • Heat therapy like our lupin heat packs and portable heating belts

    • Pelvic floor physiotherapy

  • 🧠 Mental health support because chronic pain is exhausting emotionally, too.

You Deserve Informed Care

It’s time we stop gaslighting people into thinking their pain is “just period cramps” or that a one size fits all surgery will solve everything. Your pain is real. Your experience is valid. And your treatment should be as unique as you are.

Whether you’re waiting for surgery, exploring options, or managing day to day symptoms, we see you. Our community and products are designed to support you wherever you’re at in your chronic illness journey.

🛒 Explore Our Top Picks for Endo Relief:

  • Magnesium Oil Spray: Relax muscles, ease inflammation, support calm

  • Lupin Heat Packs: Odor free, longer lasting and perfectly shaped for pelvic pain

  • Portable Heating Belt: On the go comfort with 3 temps and 4 vibration levels

You are not alone. We’re right here with you. 💛 

Love, The Endo Essentials Team x

Support for your chronic illness journey, no matter which stage you are at.

PLEASE NOTE: The Endo Essentials company takes no responsibility for your diagnosis, tailoring your treatment/plan, we do not claim to be doctors and strongly recommend seeking medical advice from a Health Physician to treat your symptoms. We write these blogs purely based on the evidence provided at the current time and try our best to keep these blogs as up to date as possible. 

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