Uterus removal, also called a hysterectomy, is a major surgery that can bring about many physical and emotional changes. If you're thinking about this procedure or have already had one, it's important to know what to expect. While each person's body reacts differently, there are common changes in the body after uterus removal that many women experience. These changes can affect everything from your hormones to your energy levels.
Understanding the body changes after uterus removal can help you better prepare for what’s ahead and give you peace of mind during your recovery. In this blog, we will cover 10 key changes you might feel after a hysterectomy, ranging from shifts in your menstrual cycle to adjustments in your overall health. Read on to learn more about what to expect and how to navigate life after uterus removal.
What is uterus removal?
Uterus removal surgery or a hysterectomy is a surgical treatment used on female patients to remove the uterus (womb) and cervix. The ovaries and fallopian tubes are occasionally also removed. The most typical major non-pregnancy surgery is hysterectomies, carried out on about 75,000 women annually in the USA.
You must be familiar with the various forms of surgery to understand how your body could alter following a hysterectomy properly. Your doctor may suggest three different hysterectomies:
Partial or supracervical hysterectomy: The upper portion of the uterus is removed, but the cervix is left in situ.
Total hysterectomy: It is the removal of the uterus and cervix in its entirety.
Radical hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, cervix, and upper vaginal wall.
Your ovaries and fallopian tubes might need to be removed during surgery, even though they are not part of a hysterectomy. Oophorectomy is the medical term for the removal of one or both ovaries. A salpingectomy is when your fallopian tubes are removed.
10 Body Changes After Uterus Removal You May Feel
Below we have mentioned 10 things that change in your body after uterus removal.
1. Premature menopause:
One ovary can be removed, and as long as it's functioning normally, it will continue to generate the hormones you require. But when both ovaries are taken out, something else happens. Body changes after uterus removal include hormonal changes that can lead to shifts in the menstrual cycle and hormonal balance. An abrupt loss of hormones results from a bilateral oophorectomy. You consequently experience early menopause.
2. No weight gain:
It's a myth that many women gain weight after a hysterectomy. In this case, the women's inaction rather than the hysterectomy or the actual loss of the uterus is to blame. After having a hysterectomy, many women reduce their physical activity. They ought to be more engaged.
3. Ovarian functions may decline:
Even when the ovaries are intact, the loss of ovarian functions may occur gradually over time. Ovaries and the uterus share a blood supply. Hence, it is inevitable that ovaries will no longer function to their full potential after uterus removal.
4. Mood swings become more noticeable:
Hormonal alterations brought on by the hysterectomy emerge as irritation and mood swings. Oestrogen, which improves women's emotional wellness, is depleted. As a result, many women get irritable after surgery.
5. Prepare for additional heat flashes:
Low estrogen produces hormonal changes that lead to dilated blood vessels near the skin, which pushes more blood to the surface. This causes waves of warm sensation and sweaty spells at any time of day.
6. The heart is more susceptible:
Men are typically more likely than women to experience heart issues. This is so because estrogen guards against heart attacks in women. Low estrogen levels render women more susceptible to heart problems after a hysterectomy.
7. Bones deteriorate:
Your body's bones become more brittle after a hysterectomy. Once more, low estrogen levels are to blame. Calcium-rich foods can be incorporated into the diet to alleviate this problem.
8. Loss of height:
As shocking as it may sound, there is a high likelihood that your height may decline after a hysterectomy. The distance between two vertebrae shrinks due to bone issues brought on by low estrogen. This issue also leads to nerve impingement between the bones, resulting in problems like a frozen shoulder.
9. Increased bladder issues:
Since the uterus supports the bladder and the bowels, women with hysterectomies frequently experience urine incontinence. In such circumstances, even laughing and sneezing can result in loss of bladder control.
10. Having sex is difficult:
Although your sexual life doesn't end completely after a hysterectomy, it never quite returns to how it was. After the uterus has been removed, the top of the vaginal canal is frequently sutured shut. Additionally, the surgery may reduce the vaginal tissue's suppleness, making intercourse challenging. Vaginal dryness also contributes to friction and pain during sexual activity.
Get Complete Support During Recovery After Uterus Removal
Get complete support during your recovery after uterus removal by staying in touch with your healthcare team. It's important to follow their instructions for rest, medication, and any physical restrictions. Make sure to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your healing.
Emotional support is also key, so talk openly with family, friends, or a counselor about how you're feeling. If needed, join support groups where you can connect with others who have gone through the same experience. Recovery takes time, but with proper care and support, you’ll be able to heal both physically and emotionally.
Final Thoughts
After a uterus removal, it's natural to notice changes in your body. While some of these changes may feel challenging, understanding them can make the transition easier. Every person’s experience is different, but knowing the common body changes after uterus removal can help you manage them better. It's important to give yourself time to heal and adjust to the body changes after uterus removal.
Always speak with your doctor about any concerns you may have during recovery. With proper care and attention, many women lead healthy and active lives after a hysterectomy.
Also Read: Hysterectomy in Women: Complications & more
Frequently Asked Questions
Does removing the uterus change body shape?
Removing the uterus itself may not significantly change body shape, but it can lead to a subtle reduction in abdominal protrusion.
How does a hysterectomy affect the organs?
Following surgery, some women get pelvic organ prolapse.
What is the ideal age for uterine removal?
Women of all ages, even those over 60, can have hysterectomies without risk.
Will I feel changes in my body after uterus removal right away?
Some changes, like pain and fatigue, may happen immediately, while others, such as hormonal changes, can take weeks or months to notice.
Can hormone levels change after a hysterectomy?
Yes, especially if the ovaries are removed. This can lead to changes in hormone levels, which may cause symptoms like hot flashes or mood swings.
Will I experience menopause symptoms after uterus removal?
If your ovaries are removed, you may experience menopause symptoms, even if you haven't reached menopause naturally yet.
How long does it take to recover from a hysterectomy?
Recovery time varies, but most women take 6-8 weeks to fully recover.
Will my sex drive change after uterus removal?
Some women notice changes in sex drive after a hysterectomy, but this can vary depending on individual health and hormonal changes.
Can I still gain weight after my uterus is removed?
Yes, weight gain can still occur due to changes in metabolism and hormone levels.
How will my energy levels change after uterus removal?
Many women feel tired after surgery but regain energy as they recover. Long-term energy levels depend on individual health.
Can I exercise after recovering from a hysterectomy?
Yes, light exercise is usually encouraged after recovery, but always follow your doctor's advice on when and how to start.
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