Hysterectomy can put you at greater risk of health problems. However, you can live a healthy life after a hysterectomy if you take steps to eat a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, and manage stress.
What happens to your body after hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the uterus. In some cases, it may be accompanied by oophorectomy in which one or both ovaries are removed.
Due to the change in hormonal levels caused by the surgery, women may experience symptoms of low estrogen levels, such as:
- Weight gain
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood swings and irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Hot flashes
- Urinary tract infection
- Decreased sex drive
- Vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse
- Irregular periods or absence of periods (amenorrhea)
- Decreased bone density and increased risk of bone fractures
How can you overcome the side effects of hysterectomy?
After a hysterectomy, it is important to focus on good nutrition. Try to eat a diet rich in the following:
- Fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables that are red, orange, yellow, and deep green are abundant with antioxidants and fiber, which help improve immunity and build your defense against diseases.
- Whole grains. Whole grains, such as oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta are rich in vitamin B and fiber which can improve your overall health.
- Lean proteins and good fats. Lean protein from skinless chicken, fatty fish, and vegetable protein from sprouted legumes should be a part of your daily diet.
- Healthy fats. Avoid trans and saturated fats found in butter, margarine, fried foods, and pastries. Use vegetable oils, such as olive and peanut oils, which are considered healthy fats, and eat plenty of nuts and seeds.
- Boost your calcium intake. For stronger bones, aim to get at least 1,200 mg of calcium daily, along with vitamin D. You can get them from low-fat dairy, yogurt, calcium-fortified soy milk, firm tofu, and fish with edible bones, such as sardines or salmon.
Since hysterectomy makes you go experience symptoms similar to menopause, it is also important to manage your stress levels:
SLIDESHOW
Pelvic Pain: What's Causing Your Pelvic Pain? See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Medically Reviewed on 4/28/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Image
Parker WH, Jacoby V, Shoupe D, Rocca W. Effect of bilateral oophorectomy on women's long-term health. Women’s Health. 2009 Sep;5(5):565-76. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2716666/
Faubion SS, Kuhle CL, Shuster LT, Rocca WA. Long-term health consequences of premature or early menopause and considerations for management. Climacteric. 2015;18(4):483-91. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25845383/
Parker WH, Jacoby V, Shoupe D, Rocca W. Effect of bilateral oophorectomy on women's long-term health. Women’s Health. 2009 Sep;5(5):565-76. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2716666/
Faubion SS, Kuhle CL, Shuster LT, Rocca WA. Long-term health consequences of premature or early menopause and considerations for management. Climacteric. 2015;18(4):483-91. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25845383/
Complete List
Top Can You Live a Healthy Life After Hysterectomy Related Articles
Tips to Ease Menopause Symptoms
What happens during menopause? At what age do menopause symptoms start? Women in their 40s or 50s may begin to have hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep problems as they enter menopause. See what triggers some menopause symptoms. Get tips for relief through treatment.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is an invasive, surgical procedure recommended for women who have problems with their uterus. The advantages and disadvantages of hysterectomy depend on the symptoms a woman is experiencing before the procedure.
Female Screening Tests
What is a health screening? Why is it important to know your blood pressure? How long will your health screening take? Learn about wellness screenings for women for breast cancer, HIV, diabetes, osteoporosis, skin cancer, and more.
Duration of Bed Rest After a Hysterectomy
Patients will need good bed rest after a hysterectomy. Most patients need a good recuperation post a hysterectomy. Rest is the key ingredient of the healing process. The body usually needs 15-30 days to recover from the surgery; however, the length of recovery and rest depends on the age, general level of health, and type of hysterectomy.
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the uterus is removed. There are a variety of surgical techniques for performing hysterectomies, which include vaginal hysterectomy, total hysterectomy, laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH), supracervical hysterectomy, laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, radical hysterectomy, and oophorectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy hysterectomies.
Complications include infection, pain, and bleeding. The type of hysterectomy performed is dependent on the woman and the reason for the procedure.
Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH)
Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) is a surgical procedure using a laparoscope to guide the removal of the uterus and/or Fallopian tubes and ovaries through the vagina. During LAVH, the uterus is detached from the ligaments that attach it to other structures in the pelvis using laparoscopic tools. If the Fallopian tubes and ovaries are to be removed, they are also detached from their ligaments and blood supply. The organs and tissue are then removed through an incision made in the vagina.
What Are Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Symptoms?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of symptoms including irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth. Treatment of PCOS depends partially on the woman's stage of life and the symptoms of PCOS.
Recovery Time for a Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the uterus. The recovery is faster, and post-operative discomfort is minimal with a laparoscopic hysterectomy.
What Happens When Estrogen Levels Are Too High or Too Low?
Estrogen regulates various functions in the human body. Learn more about what happens when those levels get too high or too low. Find out about hormones that can affect your happiness and learn how to boost your mood.What Happens When You Have a Hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy is a major surgery that ends up impacting a woman’s life considerably.What to Expect After a Laparoscopic Hysterectomy?
The first 24 hours after hysterectomy, patients may experience some vaginal bleeding that tapers off. If the bleeding seems to be getting heavier rather than lighter, the physician should be notified immediately.
Women's Health: Myths About Menopause
Menopause myths tell you that hormones make you irritable, your sex life is over, and weight gain is inevitable. Get the facts about menopause.
Women's Health: Tips for Dealing With Dryness
Lots of parts of your body can become dry, especially as women get older. Find out the different causes and what you can do about them.