What is a tubal ligation?
It is the surgical procedure known as sterilisation in which the fallopian tubes are cut and tied.
There are several techniques of tubal ligation. The fallopian tubes may be cut & tied, pinched closed by the use of plastic rings or clips, or severed using laser treatment which ‘burns’ tube endings.
A tubal ligation prevents fertility because the egg released from your ovaries during ovulation cannot travel down the fallopian tubes be fertilised by the man’s sperm.
Will a tubal ligation affect my hormones?
Usually “yes”, it’s just a matter of when. We have spoken with a number of women who reported a variety of problems subsequent to a tubal ligation. Irregular, heavy menstrual bleeding, for example, that has, on occasions, resulted in a hysterectomy. These women reported increased period pain, longer periods, pain during intercourse, severe PMS. Even endometriosis has been known to occur after surgical sterilisation. These women post tubal ligation often go into early menopause, or experience perimenopausal problems such as hot flushes, sleep disturbances, anxiety attacks and all the estrogen dominant symptoms that are commonly listed.
Some common characteristics to consider. Overall, these women reported hormone imbalance 6-7 years after their tubal ligation. However, occasionally, a woman reported insidious side-effects virtually the day after she had surgery.
We have held the hands of women who, soon after their tubal ligation surgery, abruptly entered menopause. The reason why women suffer hormonal imbalances is unclear. Perhaps blood supply to the ovaries has been interfered with, or severed, which compromised the performance of the ovaries. Perhaps the messages from the brain to the ovaries is more complex than is understood. The mind-body correlation cannot be understated here.
Some women do escape significant hormonal problems while others experience extreme perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms. The degree of hormonal problems is dependent upon the damage to the ovarian blood supply and the state of the woman?s health in general. The production of progesterone by the ovaries is likely to be compromised. Additionally, estrogen may also be compromised as it needs a greater supply of oxygen for the many steps necessary in its synthesis by the ovary. Progesterone output, on the other hand, may be dramatically reduced even though you continue to ovulate.
In other words, the quantity and quality of progesterone is not what it once was, and a ratio imbalance between these two hormone results. You may be short on both hormones, but there is a greater likelihood that your progesterone levels will be lower than that of estrogen, accounting for estrogen dominant symptoms that arise subsequent to a tubal ligation.
After a tubal ligation, women often enter the circuit of ‘doctor hopping’ in search of answers for their failing health.
They cannot put their finger on any particular cause, and are subsequently fobbed off with demeaning comments like, ?That?s just the way it is?, ?You?re getting older?, ?Just get an interest?, ?It?s all in your head?, ?Just learn to live with it?. Round and round in circles they go.
These poor women - the casualties of tubal ligations - suffer in silence and isolation because they ought to be healthy. They look healthy enough, or rather tests proved unremarkable. Yet, incredibly, they’re all experiencing severe menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms, minus any semblance of sympathy or recognition by the medical fraternity. Often they are told they are too young for menopause and that it can?t possibly be linked.
So, what are these poor women to think? That they are hypochondriacs? It?s all a state of their confused mind? Undiagnosed and untreated for years on end, they arrive at our doorstep very angry and disillusioned. Often casualties of medical misrepresentation or medical neglect because the doctors simply failed to recognise the connection between tubal ligation and the presentation of gynaecological and psychological problems that, in some case, do arise as a result of surgery.
Ironically, women who opt for a tubal ligation, believing it to be an easy form of sterilisation, often end up with a hysterectomy which really negates the reason why they chose a tubal ligation in the first place. Because it’s touted as a relatively risk-free, permanent form of contraception. Many women feel very angered, ripped off and downright annoyed when they make the connection between their health problems and that particular surgery. The resultant complications to their health and emotional wellbeing is understated.
These women claim, time and time again that, had they been given more information, they certainly would not have journeyed down the path of a tubal ligation. They also feel that had they known how it was going to affect their hormonal profile and in many cases libido, then perhaps they would have looked at other forms of contraception. Most women agree they would have suggested their husbands or partner undergo a vasectomy rather than put up with the havoc hormone imbalance is now having on their wellbeing and their marriage/relationship.
If I reverse my tubal ligation, will my symptoms go away?
No, unfortunately not. Sterilisation by tubal ligation is as good as permanent. The surgical
interruption to the blood supply that damages the ovaries is irreversible. Even if surgeons could microscopically re-establish the blood flow to this area, it is not going to reverse the situation. Your symptoms will not disappear without addressing the resultant hormone imbalance.
Does tubal ligation work for any particular woman?
Based on observation, women who have a history of heavy bleeding or fibroids, even endometriosis, PMS and nasty post natal depression should take their existing hormone imbalance into consideration when considering a tubal ligation. Furthermore, we?ve observed women with a history of heavy periods discovered that their tubal ligation often increased their problems and a hysterectomy was necessary to treat, such a severe haemorrhaging.
Tubal ligations do not sort out hormonal problems. It is a procedure performed to prevent pregnancy, and provides a permanent form of contraception.
Any women that has a history of hormone imbalance and associated gynaecological problems should consider alternative options for contraception such as suggesting her partner undergo a vasectomy instead. This will not render him impotent or affect his libido (as a tubal ligation may effect a woman), or his ability to ejaculate.
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Liz. R | Dec 30, 2008 | Reply
I want to say Thank You So much for this write up. I have been to so many doctors and been told there is nothing wriong with me. I have been thinking I was crazy nuts. I have been tied for 9 years now and every year has gotten more and more unbareable. To the point now I am in constant pain and with no medical to help me I deal with it cause no one knew what was wrong I am sure this is the issue here. Thank You for letting me know that I am not NUTS.
Andrea | Jan 19, 2009 | Reply
I wanted to let the readers know that tubal ligations are interfering with a very delicate balance of hormonal ebbs and flows, and communications between the ovaries, tubes, uterus and brain. It has a negative effect on probably MORE women than not.
Years ago, women suffered and had no idea it was related to TL. However, more evidence is being compiled. The fact is, there may never be “provable” diagnosis for PTLS (post tubal ligation syndrome), when in fact, women who suffer it know it is very real.
On the message board at www.tubal-reversal.net, you will find countless stories of young healthy women who were told an ablation, hormone therapy or hysterectomy are the only options for regaining health. This is not so. The Dr’s at CHTRC are experts in the field of tubal reversal. I had horrible PTLS, and was told that I would likely need a hysterectomy at 29. This was before I had any regret over ending my fertility.
I had a tubal reversal, and immediately saw improvement in my cycle. It was likely a suppression of progesterone, with estrogen dominance that caused my horrible migraines, spotting, heavy flooding periods, etc. I became pregnant the very first month we tried, and it’s a great overall restoration of health.
I recommend ANY woman interested in TL, to re-evaluate the horrible health implications, as well as the permanency…
If you are suffering from PTLS, please consider visiting the above website for restoration of health.
Jackie | Jun 27, 2009 | Reply
Just wanted to ask if you had had any mood changes,anxiety attacks or other physical issues after your tubal and did the reversal help with these?thanks
michelle | Jul 2, 2009 | Reply
since my tubal ligation 4 years ago i have suffered from major mood swings two times a month, before my period and before i ovulate . i have 3 beautiful children and i feel sorry for them the days i call my cranky days. i have been to doctors and tried to talk about my problem but today having read this article i know that it wasnt justa coincedence that i became extra moody . i hope i can feel calmer knowing that its not my fault
Toni | Aug 4, 2009 | Reply
My husband and I decided on TL when we were expecting our second child. At the time, my insurance would pay for it. We would have had to pay out-of-pocket for his procedure. It made economic sense at the time….
Now, I have had no libido, have had periods that are “wonky”, and have awakened having had “sweats” so bad I have BO (yes, I shower and use deodorant regularly)
The reason I’m even writing now is that I had the most awful Pre-period this last time. For over a week, I couldn’t get motivated to do anything, I was extremely irritable, and I just felt awful.
It’s nice to know that there may actually be an explanation to all this crud I’ve been going through
Diana | Aug 10, 2009 | Reply
Why wasn’t any of this information discussed with me BEFORE the surgery? I have suffered severe Complicated Migraines since I was a child. Never were they menstrual migrains. In 2006 I had a TL and within 5 months I had been to the ER with Migraines that required overnight obsevation. I have hyper pigmentation that looks like a five o’clock shadow and worst of all I have absolutely NO SEX DRIVE!!!!!
Thank you for this article now I can go to my Doctor with knowledge and not just walk away with a feeling of wasting her time.
Erin | Sep 21, 2009 | Reply
TL syndrome is real. I knew I would have a second c section with my daughter in 2003 and TL seemed like a great idea. We were done having kids and the procedure could be coupled with the birth. I know my tubes were cauterized. I have been in menopause, technically premature ovarian failure because I am under 40, for at least 3 years. By menstrual cycles were never the same after the tubal. My doctors have been totally ignorant. They think it is because of genetics, but no way! Both of my grandmothers had >8 babies, the last ones well into their 40’s, My mom hit menopause around 50, not 37!
I found a sympathetic nurse practitioner to work with me, because this has interrupted my sex life dramatically. Tubals are damaging women and nothing is being done to stop them. I can’t believe the lack of information that was available on this 6 years ago. I try to tell everyone I know to avoid Tubal Ligation.
stacy | Mar 10, 2010 | Reply
Has anyone out there suffered with digestive issues after their TL? Doctors tell me it is IBS. I have terrible diarrhea all the time. This started exactly 12 months after a c-section and TL. So what do I do to get better?
Sophia | Mar 16, 2010 | Reply
I also got tubal ligation 3 years ago….I so regret doing such a thing I know have painful migraines that are so awful….I was told I can do a tubal reversal and that symptoms should go away….let’s see what happen….
Tracey | Apr 8, 2010 | Reply
I also had a TL after my 2nd child during the c-section because it seemed like the best route to go since they were “in there already” and insurance would cover it. After I stopped breastfeeding, I started having severe diarrhea and vomiting about 1 week before my period would start. This is the 4th month in a row. My family doctor is clueless. The Gastrointerologist thinks it may be hormonal. I’m not sure what to do. I had to start taking Zoloft 3 months after the pregnancy due to anxiety/stress. Now I’m wondering if it’s all related. I’m going to see the OB/GYN next week. I hope to figure out this mystery soon.
Meg | Apr 14, 2010 | Reply
Stacy, (and others),
I had my TL almost 5 years ago at 26 and it was the worst mistake I’ve ever made. I have horrible diarrhea, especially before my period. What works for me is Vitamin D. I take 3000 IUs a day, and I can actually leave the house without worrying about having to go to the bathroom.
As far as hormones go, I’ve started taking Vitex, (chasteberry), to balance them out. My breasts swell up an entire size right before my period, I clot, I’ve had anxiety ONLY during my period but my dr.s still think it’s not hormone related.
Go to a naturopath if you can. They’ll help you…. and if you can afford it, get your tubes repaired. The Dr.s will never admit that it is from your TL, because imagine the money they’d lose in lawsuits and reversals.
Dawn Vickers | Apr 26, 2010 | Reply
I would actually like to correct something you said about Tubal Reversal NOT making the symptoms go away. I’m currently the admin for a Facebook group providing support for sufferers of PTS. I’m a sufferer myself also.
I’ve had comments from at least 2 women who have already had Tubal Reversal, with both of them stating that they noticed improvements as soon as the DAY AFTER SURGERY! While its an expensive procedure, both women stated they’d pay all over again. It gave them their life back.
If you, or any other woman reading this are interested in joining my support group, the link is http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=93036733053
Heather | Apr 27, 2010 | Reply
I’m so glad I found this site.. At present I’m on a waiting list for a TL.. Will be taking my name off it in the morning.
I currently have the coil in & it doesn’t agree with me at all and thought this would be the best option for me as I have very high risk pregnancies and am finished my family now.
Defo not going down this road now..
Am so sorry so many of you have gone to hell and back.. There really should be more info on this before we go down this road..
Amy | May 11, 2010 | Reply
I had a TL three years ago. Shortly after, I experienced horrible depression and anxieties to the point I am now on medicine daily to control mood swings and anxiety. It is a horrible feeling. My children suffer because of my moods. Please think it through, I would NOT have had the TL if I knew all this.
Tammy | May 18, 2010 | Reply
This website is a blessing. I suffered for 7 years after having a tubal a month after my last child. I was 33 and knew I didn’t want any more children. I, too, was told this was a simple procedure and not told of any adverse problems. I finally got help with natural hormone replacement therapy which I have been on for 6 years. I am now 44 and in full blown, symptom heavy, perimenopause. If I could back in time, I NEVER would have had it done. I am angry that I was never told anything before and all I have suffered since. I hope others are able to find the help they need.
tamm | Jun 4, 2010 | Reply
I had a TL after my second child 5 years ago. recently have been dealing with hot flashes,anxiety,mood swings, the works. the doctors tell me i cant be going through menopause early(im 30 years old). I never knew that a tl would effect so much. could it be early menopause? I feel like im going crazy!
claire | Jun 29, 2010 | Reply
what is natural hormone treatment,i have been suffering 3 mths after my tl in sep 09,exactly the same,anxiety,painful breats,heavy periods,i have never been on the pill ever and never had any problems,i am 39,i only had it done at the same time as a hernia repair,so i know 100% it is coz of tl!!!!the only thing docs have given is prozac 20mg,it does help no night sweats or insomnia but i might try chasteberry as well,please dont get a tl,wouldnt wish this on worst enemy, clairex
Tammy D | Jul 25, 2010 | Reply
So glad I researched the web & found this one! Going for a insult on Aug 5 but now really thinking my hubby can get the Vasectomy. So sad to hear about all you suffering & feeling that the doctors aren’t there to help. Live in Alberta, CA & our healthcare pays for it but now I am not doing it as I don’t care if it’s no cost to me. I am 34 with too many things that I wanna do before taking the chance of having any of the above mentioned symptoms. Thanks ladies for sharing & informing us that are looking at getting the tl. It has changed my mind!!