A partial hysterectomy, also known as a supracervical or subtotal hysterectomy, involves the surgical removal of the upper part of the uterus while the cervix is intentionally left intact. This surgery often addresses conditions like uterine fibroids or excessive bleeding when other treatments have failed. Patients frequently ask if they will continue to experience a menstrual period afterward. The direct answer is that a true, full menstrual period stops completely. This article clarifies the procedure and explains the difference between a real period and the minor spotting that can sometimes occur.
Defining the Partial Hysterectomy
The term “partial hysterectomy” refers specifically to the removal of the uterine body, or fundus, while leaving the cervix in place. The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. This procedure is distinct from a total hysterectomy, where both the uterus and the cervix are removed.
Keeping the cervix is the defining feature of this surgery, often called a supracervical hysterectomy. The ovaries and fallopian tubes are typically retained unless a concurrent oophorectomy or salpingectomy is necessary for other health reasons. This retention provides the context for understanding subsequent changes to the menstrual cycle and hormonal function.
Why True Menstruation Stops
The complete cessation of a true menstrual period occurs because the uterus, the organ removed in this procedure, is responsible for the monthly shedding of the endometrial lining. Menstruation is defined as the cyclical breakdown and expulsion of this tissue.
The endometrium grows and thickens each month in preparation for a potential pregnancy. When fertilization does not occur, hormones signal the lining to shed, resulting in menstrual flow. Since the primary source of this tissue is removed during the partial hysterectomy, the cyclical, heavy bleeding that constitutes a period can no longer happen. The physical manifestation of the period is eliminated, though the hormonal cycle continues.
Understanding Post-Procedure Spotting
Confusion about whether a period continues often stems from the possibility of light, cyclical spotting after a partial hysterectomy. This is not a true menstrual period but rather a minor bleed from the remaining cervical tissue. The retained cervix is essentially a “cervical stump” that may contain a small amount of residual endometrial tissue near the incision site.
This residual tissue remains responsive to the body’s monthly hormonal fluctuations. As hormone levels rise and fall, this small patch of tissue may shed, causing very light, cyclical spotting. This post-procedure bleeding is usually much lighter than a normal period and is not experienced by all patients. If a patient experiences bleeding as heavy as a full menstrual flow, or if it lasts longer than a few weeks during initial recovery, they should contact a healthcare provider for an evaluation.
Ovaries, Hormones, and Menopause
A partial hysterectomy alone, without the removal of the ovaries, does not immediately trigger menopause. The ovaries are the primary source of reproductive hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, and their retention means hormone production continues. Since these hormones are still being produced, the patient continues to experience the normal hormonal cycle, which may include symptoms such as breast tenderness or mood changes.
The body’s endocrine system remains functional, meaning the patient enters natural menopause at an age similar to if they had not had the surgery. While some studies suggest a potential for earlier onset due to a slight reduction in blood supply to the ovaries, the immediate post-operative effect is the continuation of ovarian function. The removal of the uterus stops the physical period but not the underlying hormonal cycle.