Hysterectomy Side Effects

For years the hysterectomy was one of the most over used operations in the US, being used as a solution to a number of different ailments. In fact over 600,000 hysterectomies are performed every year in the US for everything from endometriosis to periods that are too heavy. Hysterectomy side effects can vary depending on the type of hysterectomy that is performed. A total hysterectomy removes everything including the ovaries and usually results in instant menopause for the patient. A partial hysterectomy leaves certain parts such the ovaries intact which can lessen the side effects.

Hysterectomy side effects in general can be numerous but for a partial hysterectomy the side effects can be milder or delayed. Both types of hysterectomies will cause side effects due to the changes in hormone production that occur after the surgery. In general you can expect to experience at least a few side effects such as anxiety, depression and mood swings, dizziness, fatigue, hair loss, headaches, insomnia, irritability, joint pain, low sex drive, memory problems, weight gain, urinary problems and vaginal dryness.

While most of these hysterectomy side effects are minor for some people they may be more intense and cause problems that may require treatment by a doctor. In addition to these side effects women who have had a hysterectomy may be prone to developing heart disease, arthritis, and osteoporosis.

The majority of hysterectomies are unnecessary and become the easy way to deal with a problem, putting women at greater risk by having a surgery that was no necessary. In some cases such as cancer a hysterectomies is justified but for many other reasons such as fibroids and heavy bleeding surgery can be avoided and alternative treatments may be used.

Because a hysterectomy will put a woman in a state of surgically induced menopause causing hormones to be unbalanced even a partial hysterectomy where the ovaries are left intact will eventually cause menopause to come early. Usually within 1-3 years the blood supply to the ovaries will decrease and the woman will go into premature menopause.

Within one to two months after the hysterectomy a woman’s progesterone levels will fall dramatically and within one to two years their estrogen levels will also fall. The fall of progesterone levels will be the cause of most of the hysterectomy side effects listed above and can put women at risk of several types of cancer including endometrial cancer. If at all possible avoid having a hysterectomy and ask your doctor what other alternatives are available to you.