A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of the uterus, a common intervention for various conditions affecting women's health. While it addresses specific health issues, it's important to understand its potential effects on weight. This article explores the complex relationship between hysterectomy and weight changes, addressing both weight loss and weight gain, and providing lifestyle tips for managing weight after the procedure.
What is a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. It may also include removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It’s a relatively common procedure for women in the United States, especially those between 40 and 50 years old, and may be the best treatment for chronic pain or disease. Some of the conditions that may require a hysterectomy are:
- Uterine fibroids: These are noncancerous growths that appear in the uterus. These can cause heavy periods and prolonged bleeding. Fibroids can also cause lower back or pelvic pain. The causes for fibroids aren’t completely known, although a family history of the condition and obesity are risk factors. This is the most common reason for a hysterectomy.
- Endometriosis: This is a condition where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus. In endometriosis, the uterine tissue typically grows in the lower pelvic region, although it can grow anywhere in the body. This tissue thickens and bleeds during the menstrual cycle, just like the uterine tissue inside the uterus, and can be very painful.
- Uterine prolapse or pelvic support problems: Uterine prolapse is when the uterus slips down into or protrudes out of the vagina.
Weight Loss After Hysterectomy: Is It Direct?
Having a hysterectomy doesn’t cause weight loss directly. Weight loss isn’t a side effect of a hysterectomy. However, depending on the underlying condition it’s treating, some people might experience weight loss that’s not necessarily related to the procedure itself. Some people experience a few days of nausea following a major surgery. This can be a result of pain or a side effect of the anesthesia. For some, this can make it hard to keep food down, resulting in temporary weight loss.
The misconception that a hysterectomy leads to weight loss may be linked to the use of hysterectomies to treat several types of cancer, including:
- Cervical cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometrial cancer
In some cases, this surgery is used in conjunction with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy has a number of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Some people may mistake chemotherapy-related weight loss for a side effect of a hysterectomy.
Read also: Nutrition Guidance: Children & Adults
Although some women may experience weight loss after a hysterectomy, it’s not the operation itself that causes weight loss. It may be that removing the uterus and any subsequent pain may result in a decrease in appetite, resulting in weight loss. Losing weight after a hysterectomy is fairly common, but if you were underweight to begin with or experience rapid weight loss after a hysterectomy, you may wish to speak with your doctor. Nausea after a hysterectomy is also sometimes a side effect, and many women have a hard time keeping food down in the days following the procedure. You may also experience a loss of appetite during the healing process. If you aren’t able to eat or are constantly vomiting, however, you should consult with your doctor. The process of throwing up may cause more pain and affect the healing of your hysterectomy. If you aren't able to eat, you may not be getting the nutrients your body needs to heal.
Hysterectomies also help to reduce chronic pain and heavy bleeding caused by fibroids, endometriosis, and other conditions. When these symptoms resolve after surgery, you might find that you have a lot more energy for physical activity, potentially leading to weight loss.
If you’ve recently had a hysterectomy and lost a lot of weight, follow up with your doctor, especially if you can’t think of any other factors that may be causing it.
Weight Gain After Hysterectomy: Factors to Consider
While a hysterectomy isn’t directly linked to weight loss, it may be related to weight gain in some people. A 2009 prospective study suggests that premenopausal women who’ve had a hysterectomy without the removal of both ovaries have a higher risk for weight gain, compared with women who haven’t had the surgery. More research is needed to fully understand the potential link between hysterectomies and weight gain.
For women who had a loss of appetite and nausea before their hysterectomy as a side effect of their medical condition, removing the uterus may alleviate nausea and increase their appetite. These women may be able to eat more or may find eating more pleasurable now that they aren’t experiencing chronic pain or discomfort. Women who were used to an active lifestyle may gain weight after a hysterectomy, especially if the procedure was performed as an abdominal surgery rather than a vaginal hysterectomy. Regardless of the circumstances, if your activity level has decreased, but you’re eating the same number of calories, you will likely gain weight. If you notice you’re gaining weight, keep a close eye on the calories you consume, focusing on whole, healthy foods, especially lean meats and colorful fruits and vegetables. These foods also have plenty of nutrients to help your body heal.
Read also: Hysterectomy Diet Guide
Another reason for weight gain after a hysterectomy may have to do with your condition before the surgery. Some of the health conditions that require a hysterectomy for treatment may be aggravated by obesity (BMI of 30 or greater). Obese women may have certain habits, such as poor diet or a sedentary lifestyle, that encourage weight gain. As part of your pre-surgical consultation, your doctor may recommend that you lose weight, not only to minimize surgical complications or complications from anesthesia, but also to give you a jump-start on healthy habits that can help you lose weight after a hysterectomy. Women who have had weight fluctuations throughout their life may also experience weight gain after a hysterectomy. Compared to women who begin menopause with their ovaries and uterus intact, premenopausal women who have had their uterus removed (without their ovaries removed) have a higher incidence of weight gain during menopause.
If you do have your ovaries removed during the procedure, you’ll immediately enter menopause. This process can last for several years, but women gain an average of 5 pounds after going through menopause.
You might also gain some weight as you recover from the procedure. Depending on the approach your doctor uses, you’ll need to avoid any strenuous activity for four to six weeks. You can still move around during this time, but you’ll want to hold off on any major exercise. If you’re used to exercising regularly, this break could have a temporary impact on your weight.
Other Side Effects of a Hysterectomy
As with any surgery, you may experience a reaction to anesthesia, infection, pain and soreness at the surgical site, and fatigue. The side effects from the surgery will depend on which procedure, vaginal or abdominal, you had. Other short-term effects may include:
- Pain, bleeding, and soreness in your lower abdomen or vagina
- Infection
- Low libido
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Constipation
- Bladder problems such as not being able to empty the bladder completely or losing the feeling of having to urinate
Some side effects from a hysterectomy are long term, developing months or even years after the procedure. Some long-term side effects include:
Read also: Adenomyosis and Hysterectomy
- Lymphedema, which is a buildup of lymph fluids in the legs or abdomen. If lymph nodes are removed along with your uterus, you may have a higher risk of developing this condition. It’s characterized by swelling and soreness and may not occur equally in both legs or on both sides of the abdomen.
A hysterectomy can have several side effects that aren’t related to your weight. If you still had your period before your hysterectomy, you’ll stop getting it after your surgery. You also can’t get pregnant after a hysterectomy. The loss of both fertility and mensuration is a benefit to some. But for others, it can cause a sense of loss.
If you go into menopause after the procedure, you might also experience:
- Insomnia
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
- Vaginal dryness
- Decreased sex drive
The procedure itself can also cause short-term side effects, such as:
- Pain at the incision sites
- Swelling, redness, or bruising at the incision site
- Burning or itching near the incision
- A numb feeling near the incision or down your leg
These should gradually decrease and eventually disappear as you recover.
Lifestyle Tips After a Hysterectomy
Your physician will recommend good lifestyle habits to follow to ensure a healthy recovery from a hysterectomy and reduce long- and short-term side effects.
To reduce your risk of gaining weight after a hysterectomy, ask your doctor about the safety of physical activity. Depending on your recovery from the procedure and your overall health, you may be able to start doing low-impact exercises after a few weeks. Swimming and water aerobics are ideal exercises that can usually be resumed within two to three weeks, provided that vaginal bleeding and discharge have stopped. If you build up gradually, you can expect to be back to previous activity levels within four to six weeks. Other examples of low impact exercises include:
- Yoga
- Tai chi
- Walking
- Cycling
- Rowing
- Pilates
In general, these will include following a healthy diet, including whole foods, and avoiding refined sugar and processed foods. If you aren’t sure how to lose weight after a hysterectomy, ask your doctor or a dietitian to help you with meal plans.
In addition to lean meats and fresh fruits and vegetables, include whole grains and make sure to get plenty of calcium. Women who enter menopause, and those who have completed menopause, are at a higher risk of osteoporosis. Good exercise habits are another component of weight loss after a hysterectomy. Follow your doctor’s orders for physical activity, and begin with lower-impact exercises, such as pool workouts, to avoid straining your body as it heals. You may also find added health benefits from meditation or other stress-management techniques.
It’s also important to focus on your diet after a surgery - both to avoid weight gain and to support your body as it heals. Try to limit junk foods while you recover. When possible, swap them out for:
- Whole grains
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Lean protein sources
Also keep in mind that a hysterectomy is major surgery, so try to cut yourself some slack and focus on your recovery. You’ll be feeling better within a few weeks, even if you gain a few pounds in the process.
Finally, some women experience grief and loss after having their uterus removed.
Supplements for Weight Loss After Hysterectomy
Losing weight after a hysterectomy can be challenging due to hormonal changes, slower metabolism, and lifestyle adjustments. While diet and exercise play a crucial role, certain supplements may support your weight loss journey. However, it’s important to choose safe and effective options that align with your health needs.
Why Is Weight Loss Harder After a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) can impact your body in several ways, making weight loss more difficult:
- Hormonal Changes: If your ovaries are also removed (oophorectomy), oestrogen levels drop suddenly, leading to weight gain, especially around the abdomen
- Slower Metabolism: Hormonal shifts can slow down metabolism, making it harder to burn calories
- Reduced Physical Activity: Recovery from surgery may limit movement, leading to muscle loss and fat accumulation
- Emotional Eating: Stress, mood swings, and fatigue can trigger unhealthy eating habits
While supplements alone won’t replace a healthy diet and exercise, they can support metabolism, energy levels, and hormonal balance.
Best Supplements for Weight Loss After Hysterectomy
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Benefits:
- Reduces inflammation linked to weight gain
- Supports heart health and metabolism
- Helps manage mood swings and cravings
Sources: Fish oil, flaxseed oil, chia seeds, walnuts
How to Use: Take 1,000-2,000 mg daily with meals
Vitamin D
Benefits:
- Low vitamin D levels are linked to weight gain and insulin resistance
- Supports bone health, especially important after hysterectomy
Sources: Sunlight, fortified dairy, fatty fish, or supplements
How to Use: 1,000-2,000 IU daily (check blood levels first)
Probiotics
Benefits:
- Improves gut health, aiding digestion and metabolism
- Helps reduce bloating and inflammation
Sources: Yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or probiotic supplements
How to Use: Take a high-quality probiotic with at least 10-20 billion CFUs daily
Magnesium
Benefits:
- Regulates blood sugar and reduces cravings
- Helps with muscle recovery and sleep quality
Sources: Dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, or magnesium citrate/glycinate supplements
How to Use: 300-400 mg daily, preferably at night
Green Tea Extract
Benefits:
- Contains EGCG, which boosts metabolism and fat burning
- Provides antioxidants for overall health
How to Use: 250-500 mg extract or 2-3 cups of green tea daily
Protein Powder (Whey or Plant-Based)
Benefits:
- Helps maintain muscle mass, which supports metabolism
- Keeps you full longer, reducing overeating
How to Use: Add 1 scoop to smoothies or meals post-workout
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