The Empowered Hysterectomy: Your Complete Handbook to Diagnosis, Decision, and Treatment

by Kameelah Phillips

Are you dealing with uterine pain, heavy bleeding, fibroids, or endometriosis? Take your power and your health back with this comprehensive, inclusive and accessible guide to uterine health, and should you need it, hysterectomy.
 
"A much-needed resource for women's health." —Uché Blackstock, MD, author of New York Times bestseller A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine
 
After years of dealing with pelvic pain—whether from fibroids, endometriosis, or another issue—your doctor has recommended a hysterectomy. Perhaps those are words you'd never thought you'd hear. Perhaps the suggestion is a relief; perhaps it brings up all sorts of concerns—questions about the surgical process, the recovery period, and even about your own mental health as you weigh your options.
 
In this offering from board certified obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Kameelah Phillips, you'll find a comprehensive, evidenced-based, and empowering guide that you need to read before making a life-changing, irreversible decision about about your future health and well-being.  The Empowered Hysterectomy is the antidote to the lack of medically sound resources and the overwhelming amount of misinformation surrounding this procedure. In it, you'll  
 
·A primer/refresher on the female anatomy—something many women are out of touch with
·Insights into the origins of the hysterectomy procedure, and the ripple effect it continues to have
·The various conditions (fibroids, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, cancer, and other ailments) that may lead to hysterectomy 
·Finding balance between holistic & non-surgical options alongside medical management 
·Advice for gender-affirming hysterectomy
·A complete guide to the surgical and recovery process 
 
You don't have to make this decision alone! With The Empowered Hysterectomy, you can come to the table prepared and informed about your body and your choices and avoid potential pitfalls in the doctor-patient conversation around treatment options. 
 
 

331 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2025

Reviews

[Mandy Eaton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Empowered Hysterectomy by Kameelah Phillips reads more like a Girlfriend’s Guide than a clinical, objective medical resource.

I went in expecting a structured breakdown of what to expect before, during, and after a hysterectomy—and while the book eventually gets there, it isn't until about 60% of the way in. The earlier chapters lean heavily into personal anecdotes, empowerment messaging, and general women’s health education. That tone may be reassuring to some readers, especially those looking for a warm, conversational approach, but I wanted a clearer roadmap upfront.

That said, once the book finally digs into the hysterectomy process, the information is helpful and practical. Just know going in that it’s more storytelling than textbook.

⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing | Balance and NetGalley for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Kali Mann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has more info than you could possibly want, and maybe even more than necessary considering the book was mainly supposed to be about hysterectomies. I can see why she put all that stuff in there, but maybe change the title to “empowered gynecology” or something more appropriate. I took some notes (some of which will actually be quite helpful for my upcoming surgery) but I skipped lots of sections too because they were not related to my immediate need: hysterectomy. Was also turned off by some of her medical practices and beliefs, as well as her out-dated information about endometriosis care, but again, that’s because of my bias clashing with hers. I give her mad props for her representation and advocacy of better GYN practices for women of color, and appreciate that she starts her book with the ugly truth of gynecology’s origins. I was so excited to read this because I thought that same level of info and passion would come through the rest of the book, but unfortunately it didn’t. I still enjoyed the book, but didn’t love it. Still good for someone who wants an overview of women’s health related to her cycle, but IMO there are better books related to your cycle, like Period Power or The Fifth Vital Sign

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Empowered Hysterectomy
@drkameelahsays
#obstetrics #gynecology #medical #gcpbalance #TheEmpoweredHysterectomy

Thank you to @GCPBalance and @drkameelahsays for the gifted copy.

This book gives great insight on the information provided when it comes to the female reproductive system. It covers details such as dealing with different kinds of pain that could lead you to possibly needing a hysterectomy. This book guides you through the procedure of the hysterectomy. However, I'm not entirely sure if it assists you in deciding whether the surgery is the path you should take. Although I must say that really is up to the person who is going to make that decision. This book is helpful in many ways because it is informative. I was told I needed one years ago, before I was cut open. I really wasn't given time to think or any info. Not only that, but I skipped it. I wish I was more informed rather than just ignored and provided a one-sentence liner. I really had no clue what was going on.

[Sarah Beaubien · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Empowered Hysterectomy by Dr. Kameelah Phillips is an invaluable resource for anyone considering or preparing for a hysterectomy. Clear, empathetic, and inclusive, it offers both medical facts and emotional support, empowering readers to make informed decisions about their health. Dr. Kameelah Phillips breaks down complex topics with warmth and clarity, making this a must-read for women seeking guidance and confidence in their healthcare journey. Dr. Kameelah Phillips is like the best OB-GYN friend you never knew you needed. She’s smart, real, and actually funny (yes, while talking about fibroids. This book is a lifeline: informative without being scary, supportive without being preachy. It gives you facts and feelings— it teaches you to advocate for yourself. It feels like talking to a really good friend who also happens to be an amazing doctor. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you might even feel a little braver. Highly recommend to anyone with a uterus… or questions about possibly parting with it.

[Jackie McGinnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Empowered Hysterectomy, Dr. Kameelah Phillips takes the guess work out of a hysterectomy, as much as any doctor can do for you. It is comprehensive and inclusive, addressing everything from the reasons for considering a hysterectomy to how to find the right care team to what to expect in surgery and recovery. Especially as someone with a history of endometriosis, fibroids, and pelvic pain, which Dr. Kameelah addresses extensively, this felt like a helpful conversation with your best gynecologist ever giving you all the answers to your questions—even the ones you didn’t know to ask.

I could easily see this as the book you read to advocate for yourself at the doctor’s office, then you have it for reference at any stage of considering or moving forward with a hysterectomy.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC. I learned a lot and am so glad to see this book out in the world!

[Morgan Stoker Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Empowered Hysterectomy by Kameelah Philips provides an informative and thorough overview of what a hysterectomy entails. It offers valuable insights into the options available for women who may feel they don’t have many choices regarding their health issues or for those who may not want a hysterectomy. While the book is an excellent resource for understanding what to expect from the procedure, I personally wished it included more guidance on how to decide if an elective hysterectomy is the right choice for you. Overall, it’s a clear and helpful guide for anyone looking to navigate this significant health decision with more confidence.

I received an advanced eBook copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, rounded up. This is a great resource for anyone navigating the complicated path of womens' health, especially women of color who have been historically discounted in this area (among others). This is more about dealing with issues other than fertility, especially gynecological problems like endometriosis and fibroids, and ways to treat those, including hysterectomy. I appreciated the discussion of other non-hysterectomy options, as well as the acceptance and guidance for hysterectomy. I really liked the factual, scientific, practical guidance, and could have skipped some of the you-go-girl parts in the middle. Overall an interesting and helpful guide. Thank you to the author and publisher for the advance reader copy!

[Karen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshing summary of the female reproductive system, associated related medical issues and options for treatment. There were honest options on many solutions to the issues, which I appreciated. I definitely feel more empowered and educated on the subject matter. Not just for the older female generations, but for those trying to understand their bodies as well. I will be happy to refer this to many friends grappling with understanding their options.
Many thanks to the author and publisher, Grand Central Publishing | Balance for the gifted copy.

[Kelly Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an expected must-read for me. I wasn’t expecting to find a book at just the time I needed it - considering all of the options for my body and health, including hysterectomy. Kameelah Phillips provides and in-depth, casual but very educational guide to the options and process of hysterectomy and surrounding treatments. I appreciated the mix of storytelling and medical empowerment.

My one critique would be that it took a while to really get into the medical details I was interested in and expected, but it did get there.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ebook!

[Professor Cinephile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accessible resource for those who struggle with doctor’s office visits or who feel disenfranchised when seeking reproductive health. As a member of Gen X, I’m glad we are talking about these issues and not keeping things hush hush. You’ll enjoy the guidance and step-by-step how-to guides through various issues. The pictures are really helpful. Love that it’s written by a Black woman! Highly recommend. I learned some things.

[Kattee Forche · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. Recommended by a friend who is also considering a hysterectomy. I’ve learned more about my body through this book than anywhere else. I do feel empowered to get my hysterectomy. It tells you what to expect before, during & after surgery. It also gives you information on other treatments that could work better for you!
Incredible!

[Maddy Poplin · Rating 3 out of 5]

would be a great read for patients, but not necessarily targeted towards providers. still learned some things!

[Barbara Fridie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for women

Such an important read. Will definitely help me make important decisions regarding my health. This is a resource I’ll share with all of my friends.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and helped to lessen my stress

[Naomie Barnabas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compassionate, clear-eyed, and empowering guide, The Empowered Hysterectomy is an essential resource for anyone navigating uterine health decisions with confidence and clarity.