Author Biography

Elizabeth is a licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist, with a B.S. in Biological Science, and M.A. in Psychology. This training in the fields of both medicine and psychology is augmented by invaluable experience gained while working with cutting-edge medical research laboratories for over a decade. This well-rounded education and professional expertise provided the background necessary to research the 100 year history of medical literature encompassing reproductive organ removal. Using these experiences, she has produced an easy-to-understand book that will enable all women to make truly informed health care choices.

Why I wrote this book :

I wrote the book I wish had been available before I said "yes" to this irreversible "life-changing" operation. The books I read prior to my surgery presented the potential consequences in such an insignificant and scientific manner, I felt there was there no need for concern.

My surgery resulted in years of both physical and emotional devastation before a doctor recognized my symptoms, and designed a hormone replacement program that eventually restored me to my old self.

Once I could function again, I researched medical journals to determine the full impact of the hormone loss created by hysterectomies. I not only found biochemical explanations for all the devastating effects I had experienced, I also uncovered that the surgery catapults women into a three times greater risk of cardiovascular disease -- including heart attacks and strokes, as well as immediately into accelerated bone loss (osteoporosis). As the ramifications of this information engulfed me, I knew this book had to be written:

Hysterectomized women need to know their symptoms are valid, as well as the steps they need to take to protect their bodies from potentially debilitating and deadly conditions.

Women faced with the hysterectomy decision need a book they can quickly read and understand when making this choice.

The reader will finish the book with the understanding necessary to assess if the risks involved with this "standard medical practice" are worth altering their biochemistry forever.

What the Experts Are Saying
About Elizabeth Plourde's Work

"Through thorough research and drawing on personal experience Elizabeth Plourde has successfully put together a very informative guide for women contemplating undergoing a hysterectomy. The book is straightforward and digestible, making it a simple and useful tool for female patients. Ms. Plourde explores the after-effects of hysterectomy and oophorectomy, with a great focus on hormones, physiological dysfunction and general well-being. This book represents a practical synthesis of that which women are generally not told, and therefore cannot give a truly informed consent. The extensive list of references provides additional resources about one of the more pressing gynecological concerns of our time."
     Ernst G. Bartsich, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Clinical Associate Professor, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, NY
     Sophie Bartsich, Author of: The Other Choice:  A Comprehensive Guide for Women with Uterine Fibroids

"Authoritative and well referenced—All women should read this book."
     Joseph C. Gambone, D.O., M.P.H., Assoc. Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, UCLA School of Medicine

"It is my personal opinion that very few women need a hysterectomy. This is a book that every woman should read, but I think every woman who has a spouse or mate who cares about her should also read it, and everyone needs to think very carefully about doing 'elective' hysterectomy under any circumstance whatsoever."
     C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D., President, Holos Institutes of Health, Inc.
Founding President, American Holistic Medical Association

"The fruit of a 16-year intensive effort, Hysterectomy & Ovary Removal is an impressive compilation of information concerning the far-reaching consequences of hysterectomy and/or oophorectomy."
     Susan Rako, M.D., Author of: The Hormone of Desire: The Truth About
 Testosterone, Sexuality, and Menopause

"Elizabeth Plourde's story is a serious wake-up call and a must-read for any woman who may be considering a hysterectomy. This frank and honest revelation of her lifelong struggle and journey back to wellness provides women with the specific tools they need to help avoid potential harmful consequences."
     Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D., F.A.C.C., C.N.S., Author of: Heart Sense For Women

"This book is very valuable and an easy to read story for any woman contemplating a life altering procedure. As a leader in the field of alternatives to hysterectomy, I thank Elizabeth Plourde for compiling such a complete informative story."
     Seth J. Herbst, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. — Institute for Women's Health & Body — FL

"A must read for all women: especially those contemplating hysterectomy or hormone replacement therapy. Elizabeth Plourde has evaluated relevant information from the vast body of scientific research and her own personal experience and presents her unique perspective coherently for the reader's consideration."
     Allan H. Lane, M.D. - The Health Restoration Medical Clinic - Tustin, CA

"Many of the millions of women who undergo hysterectomy go through this surgical procedure uninformed about the procedure's side-effects and even dangers. This book provides women with the essential information that they need about the destructive changes that hysterectomy and removal of ovaries can cause within their bodies. A must-read for women who are facing or recovering from surgery. The book is well-documented with many scientific references."
     Susan M. Lark, M.D., Author of: The Estrogen Decision

"A riveting expose´ of the potential downside of these surgeries and the problems with hormone balancing that can result. The thorough research and extensive documentation provides the information and wisdom all women have a right to know before making health-care decisions. I highly recommend this admirable work."
     John R. Lee, M.D., Author of:
 What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause

"If only women would read this book, hysterectomies would be as scarce as testicle removal. It's a wise woman who is armed with all the information to make a proper health decision when it comes to the effect of hysterectomy on her life. You will find more than enough to think about here."
     Larrian Gillespie, M.D., Author of: You Don't Have to Live with Cystitis

"I was very impressed with all the research that has been done to put this book together. I certainly like the unbiased way in which the information is presented. I learned a lot from this book and I will most definitely recommend it to my female patients considering a hysterectomy."
     Karima Hirani, M.D., M.P.H. — Hirani Wellness Medical Center, Inc. — LA, CA

"As a scientist and medical biochemist I applaud this book. It is full of up-to-date factual information that is invaluable to the modern women. The many excellent references make this a valuable resource book. Instead of hysterectomies and oophorectomies a woman should utilize natural therapies that facilitate the body's own healing process. This book is long overdue and I am sure that it will be met with great enthusiasm. Thank you for your fine effort."
     Dr. William Fullerton, M.A., Ph.D., F.A.I.C. — Health Therapeutics, Inc. — CA

"I am so glad that Elizabeth Plourde had the courage to write in detail about the shameful practice of routinely giving women hysterectomies when they are not necessary. This is a book every woman needs to read."
     Louise L. Hay, Author of: You Can Heal Your Life, 
and Empowering Women