Possible Major Symptoms Of A Hysterectomy And Tips For Regaining Health
RaenaA woman doesn’t exactly know what to expect after a hysterectomy. And she especially doesn’t know how her hormones will respond. She may be told it will be a little discomfort, but some symptoms aren't talked about as much. A hysterectomy is the removal of either the uterus, leaving the cervix intact, or the removal of the uterus and the cervix. Doctors usually recommend a hysterectomy if a woman has fibroids, endometriosis, gynecological cancer, or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Many women feel different after a hysterectomy because it can impair the function of the ovaries, which are part of the endocrine system. The effects of a hysterectomy are often immediate and severe — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Hormone changes
A hysterectomy impairs the function of the ovaries, which are part of the endocrine system. After a hysterectomy, estrogen and progesterone levels crash immediately, taking women by surprise. Levels of testosterone also often drop by half. When a woman goes through natural menopause, some hormones diminish, but in many cases, the adrenals help the transition — unlike the sudden crash that often comes after a hysterectomy. Although supplementing with hormones can help, some women never quite feel the same as when their ovaries were producing hormones naturally. Making matters worse, many women are given a one-size-fits-all hormone replacement that is not custom formulated for their body’s needs.
Sexual dysfunction
Many women report sexual dysfunction, including low libido, after a hysterectomy — likely because the uterus is an organ integral to sex. Removing the uterus can cut off nerves that help a woman climax. Lubrication, an important aspect of sex, may also be impaired due to loss of blood flow. Anatomical changes after a hysterectomy may also influence sexual arousal and satisfaction.
Emotional changes
Studies show that women who go through natural menopause are three times as likely to be diagnosed with depression. When a woman undergoes a hysterectomy, the hormone drop is so steep that emotional changes can occur. Hormones like progesterone have a soothing effect on the body. Removing the ovaries diminishes progesterone production, which may affect emotional regulation.
Weight gain
According to the HERS Foundation, women gain an average of twenty-five pounds in the year after a hysterectomy. Hormonal changes can contribute to slower metabolism, sluggish liver function, and consequently, weight gain.
Increased risk of heart disease and cancer
One study from Mayo Clinic showed women who had a hysterectomy with ovarian conservation at or before age 35 had an increased risk of congestive heart failure (4.6-fold increase) and coronary artery disease (2.5-fold increase). Furthermore, studies show that a woman's risk of thyroid, bladder, and brain cancers can increase after a hysterectomy.
While menopause tends to be a slow process, hysterectomy symptoms can be abrupt. How a woman responds to a hysterectomy varies. Changes in the body can happen slowly, and symptoms may arrive even years after surgery. Other factors during aging also influence how a woman responds.
Managing symptoms after hysterectomy
Managing hormone changes, sexual dysfunction, emotional changes, and depression may include hormone replacement therapy, talk therapy, proper diet, exercise, and meditation. Optimizing diet is key to alleviating discomfort after hysterectomy. Eating to support a high metabolism provides the body with energy for maintenance, repair, and functioning.
-
Minimize consumption of non-ancestral foods.
-
Eat enough protein.
-
Avoid foods that irritate the GI tract.
Other helpful tips:
-
Consider supplementing with natural progesterone, which has no known side effects.
-
Pay attention to how foods and other factors affect you.
-
Get regular sunlight.
-
Keep the body warm.
Raena offers the safest and most effective hormone solutions on the planet. To book an appointment and get started, visit: