Most women who have had a hysterectomy report feeling much healthier, once they recover from operation and the conditions that led to surgery are resolved. But what lifestyle changes should you expect or plan to make after a hysterectomy? That depends on your age and if you still have your ovaries.
Hysterectomy means removal of your uterus, and sometimes cervix and ovaries. If your ovaries weren't removed and you haven't gone through menopause, you can expect little to no change in your hormone levels. You won't have periods, of course, but you'll still ovulate as well as produce estrogen and progesterone. You may still have mood swings and other symptoms associated with hormone changes.
If your ovaries were removed, you'll no longer produce estrogen and progesterone and you may experience menopausal symptoms-hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, changes in libido, and more. The decision to take hormone replacement therapy is an individual medical choice for you to make with your doctor.
Many women report weight gain after hysterectomy if they also had their ovaries removed. Menopausal women are also at increased risk for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. How can you deal with this and other side effects of hysterectomy? Read on for 10 lifestyle tips to make post-surgery.
1) Do Cardiovascular Exercise. The best defense against a thickening waistline and heart disease is cardiovascular exercise. Aim for at least 30 minutes every day.
2) Do Weight Training. Whether you use free weights, dumbbells, weight machines, resistance bands or bodyweight-try to do at least 2 full-body weight training sessions per week. You'll build muscle mass and decrease body fat while increasing your bone density against osteoporosis.
3) Do Flexibility Training. To keep your body limber and your ligaments, muscles and tendons flexible - participate in stretching, yoga or Pilates regularly.
4) Practice Stress Reduction. Meditation, exercise, reading, knitting and yoga are just a few ways to take a load off your mind, body and spirit. Schedule stress reduction measure into your calendar.
5) Add Color. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables are an excellent defense against cells that cause aging, heart disease and cancer. Five to six servings per day are recommended.
6) Consider Hormones. Talk to your doctor about whether you need to take estrogen and/or progesterone to deal with menopausal symptoms and protect your heart and bones.
7) Have Sex. Many women who had fibroids, heavy bleeding or other painful uterine conditions find that sex is better than ever after a hysterectomy. Having sex is also associated with better circulation to the vagina.
8) Ask for Help. It's normal to get the blues after major surgery, especially if hormonal changes are part of your post-op experience. Many women say they feel sad for a while about losing their uterus. Talk to friends, family and your physician if the blues turn into depression or more.
9) Get Plenty of Sleep. Rest is important for your mind, body and spirit but it can be extra challenging for menopausal women. Exercise, stress reduction and avoiding caffeine and alcohol should help a lot. If they don't, talk to your physician about what else you can do.
10) Celebrate. Your life no longer revolves around periods, cramps and pregnancy. This may open the door to a whole new you. Celebrate your healthier body.
