Dealing with the Side Effects of a Hysterectomy
Fighting Fatigue, Depression, Hair Loss and Weight Gain
Jul 23, 2009
For most women, the post-hysterectomy life is markedly different from their pre-hysterectomy life: at least for the first year following. A hysterectomy usually brings on premature menopause and all of its accompanying detriments.
Menopause is the cessation of ovulation and menstruation brought about by the changing levels of several hormones of which the most significant are estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
Premature Menopause
The average age when menopause hits is 51, usually occurring between the ages of 42 and 58. However, one in nine women between the ages of 35 and 45 undergo a hysterectomy bringing on menopause prematurely, often whether or not the ovaries are removed along with the uterus.
There are a number of reasons a hysterectomy is performed. In spite of the why behind the initial need for the surgical procedure, following the removal of the uterus – and in 40% of all cases, the ovaries as well – the change in hormone production causes a number of unpleasant and unwelcome side effects; the most serious of which are osteoporosis, and coronary heart disease.
Hysterectomy Side Effects
The most widely reported side effects include hair loss, fatigue, severe depression, weight gain, headaches, hot flashes, urinary problems, memory loss, vaginal dryness, anxiety, irritability, dizziness, and diminished sex drive.
Naturally, all of the previously stated side effects vary in importance from woman to woman. The first four, hair loss, fatigue, severe depression and weight gain, tend to be the ones that effect how a woman perceives herself.
Treating Hair Loss, Fatigue, Depression, and Weight Gain
- Hair Loss – Hair loss is particularly disturbing and upsetting to women. Perhaps because hair is so closely related to a woman’s overall appearance, the thinning and losing of it can be quite traumatic. Losing hair is directly related to the slowing of the production of hormones; primarily estrogen. Because of this, hormone replacement therapy is the best treatment for female hair loss.
- Fatigue – For post-hysterectomy patients, fatigue is the most common, longest-lasting and incapacitating symptom. In a study published in the January 2002 Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 300 hysterectomy patients were surveyed. The study, headed by Dr. Alan H. DeCherney of the UCLA Medical Center, reported that in the average woman, severe fatigue lasted about 10 weeks following the surgery. Roughly one third of the women surveyed reported fatigue symptoms up to six months post-op. The treatment most often recommended by doctors in case of severe fatigue was iron supplement.
- Severe Depression - Due to fluctuating hormone levels in different stages of life, depression in women is quite common. The extreme hormonal fluctuation brought about by a hysterectomy can lead to intense feelings of sadness, helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. Often times, anti-depressants and/or professional therapy are prescribed, but if a non-medical treatment is sought, exercising regularly, taking vitamins, meditating, yoga and taking up a creative outlet or hobby are often recommended.
- Weight Gain – Unfortunately, weigh gain in women following a hysterectomy may be due in part to the previously discussed side effects. Fatigue promotes inactivity which leads to weight gain and when depressed, often times comfort is found in food, which of course, also leads to weight gain. The treatments for some of the side effects, such as estrogen replacement for hair loss and anti-depressants for depression, can also result in weight gain. Amending one's diet and routine slightly can aid in taking off the post-surgery pounds. Replace sugary snacks with fruit, in every meal include at least one kind of vegetable (preferably leafy greens) and substitute soft drinks for water. Engage in any kind of aerobic activity (walking, biking, dancing), for at least 30 minutes a day, three times a week.
Osteoporosis and Coronary Heart Disease Following a Hysterectomy
As previously stated, of all the menopausal/post-hysterectomy side effects, the most serious are osteoporosis which is the loss of calcium that makes bones brittle and more porous; and heart disease which is when the accumulation of plaques within the walls of the arteries that supply the muscle of the heart with blood results in the lack of adequate supply circulating to cardiac muscle and surrounding tissue. Both of these conditioned must be monitored by a physician and if caught early, are easily treated.
Hormone Replacement Therapy or Natural Alternatives
Most of the hysterectomy side effects can be eased if not completely wiped away using some sort of hormone replacement therapy. A woman should consult her physician regarding whether traditional hormone replacement therapy, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy or alternatives - such as holistic and oriental therapies - are right for her.
Sources:
- Bates, Carol Ann. “Holistic Health Q&A” New Times Naturally! Sep/Oct2003, p10-11, 2p
- Berger, Kathleen Stassen. The Developing Person Through the Life Span. Worth Publishers. New York. 2005
- O’Neil, John. “Vital Signs: Side Effects; After Hysterectomy: Long-Term Fatigue”. New York Times. Feb 5 2002. NYTimes.com. Retrieved 2009-07-22
 |
