How to Recognize the Side Effects of a Hysterectomy

Side effects from a hysterectomy vary depending on whether your hysterectomy was partial or full, but they are linked to the change in hormones brought on by the procedure. Recognize the side effects and learn how to cope with them.

Instructions

• 1

  Learn that a hysterectomy causes a woman's body to enter menopause, even if the ovaries are left intact. This is due an altering of the blood supply to the ovaries. The ovaries usually cease to function at all within 3 years of a hysterectomy.

• 2

  Realize that some of the side effects you experience may be emotional. Typical symptoms include mood swings, depression, anxiety, memory lapses and irritability. Discuss these with your doctor if you feel that you can't manage your emotions.

• 3

  Recognize the physical symptoms that could be related to the change in hormone production you've had from the hysterectomy. Joint pain, headaches, low libido, heart palpitations and vaginal dryness are some examples.

• 4

  Know that in addition to side effects related to hormonal changes, women who have had hysterectomies are more at risk for heart disease, arthritis and osteoporosis.

• 5

  Consider hormone replacement therapy to replace what the body is no longer producing naturally. But they should be used with caution, and the knowledge that these synthetic hormone replacements can come with side effects of their own.