There are numerous perimenopause treatments to choose from - conventional treatments and alternative means. However, there is a third type that while open as an option, it has also sparked debate and worry in many women - and that is through surgical means, specifically hysterectomy.

Defined medically, hysterectomy is a surgical process that is also known as surgical menopause - mainly because this procedure usually takes out a part (or parts) of a woman's reproductive system, with special mention of the following organs: uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and/or the ovaries. It is the second most common major surgery done on women in the United States (next to cesarean section delivery, which hogs the top spot).

There are several types of hysterectomies. Only the uterus is removed in a partial hysterectomy. In a total hysterectomy, (also known by the term TAH/BSO, or a Total Abdominal Hysterectomy/Bilateral Salpingo Oophorectomy) everything (and I mean, everything) is taken out - uterus, cervix and sometimes even the fallopian tubes and the ovaries. For the latter one, the onset of early menopause is a surety as you will remove the ovaries which naturally produce the sex hormones.

Technically speaking, our period comes from the shedding of the lining of the uterus (known as the endometrium). No, wait, scratch that. In basic terms, our monthly period is the endometrium, which we shed when implantation (egg fertilization = pregnancy) does not occur. So it really goes without saying that without the uterus, there will be no endometrium to "shed", so to speak.

Most doctors claim that almost 90 percent of hysterectomies are unnecessary. The most common reason for women to decide on having them would be because of excessive bleeding - and excessive bleeding commonly exhibits itself during perimenopause. With regards to this, surgery is not always the best option. Also, there are side effects to the surgery that may require you to take hormone treatments to balance your hormones - and you must take those treatments for as long as you live.

Should you be considering hysterectomy to end your suffering, think about it - would you really want to lose part or your whole reproductive system? Won't you miss it? So please discuss it first with your doctor or your health care provider. Believe me, there are other treatments out there that your doctor will gladly discuss with you.