Side Effects After a Hysterectomy

The most common side effects after a hysterectomy affect the reproductive capacity of the woman, as the uterus is removed. This is valid for any type of hysterectomy.

The second most common side effect are hormonal changes, which can happen even if the ovaries are not removed because their blood supply is decreased as a result of a hysterectomy. When the estrogen levels in the blood decrease, the risks for cardiovascular and skeletal diseases increase.

Studies show that the risk of these diseases is three times higher in women who have undergone hysterectomy. The risk is seven times higher if the ovaries are also removed.

Side effects after partial hysterectomy include a reduced testosterone level, which may result in reduced bone density. The hormonal changes may cause mood swings, depression, irritability, nervousness and anxiety. It can also cause hot flashes, fatigue, insomnia, weight gain, urinary incontinence, joint pain, hair loss, loss of sexual desire and painful sexual intercourse, vaginal dryness, headaches, palpitations, etc.

For this reason hysterectomy is often referred to as surgical menopause. These are the side effects of partial hysterectomy, which may also include surgical complications like bleeding, pain and infection.

Side effects depend on a number of things including your age, condition, whether you are still having periods, and what type of hysterectomy you have. If you were still having periods before surgery, they will stop after the operation.

• If your ovaries are not removed, you will continue to have hormone changes like you did with your periods, but you will not have bleeding.

• If your ovaries are removed, you will go through changes like menopause. These might include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, mood swings, or other symptoms.

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Author's bio: Dr. Nelly Stoyanova is a physician, medical researcher and health behavior expert. She studies the effects of stress on heart disease, type 2 diabetes and sleep. Her website: Belly Fat, Stress and Baby Boomers (http://www.stress-fat-heart-solutions-for-boomers.com) evaluates sources of stress for people over 50 and provides great tips to balance your day-to-day stress and stay healthy. Turn your life around and benefit from her expertise. For individual guidance sessions or to schedule a public speaking event use the Contact page or email at drnstoyanova@gmail.com

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