A hysterectomy is a surgery that involves removing a woman’s uterus. It can include the removal of other structures that are part of the reproductive system as well, such as the fallopian tubes and the cervix. Also, depending on the circumstances, the ovaries, which are responsible for producing hormones like estrogen and progesterone, may be removed or left in place.
Today, we will talk about what happens to the female anatomy after a hysterectomy, how uterus removal affects your hormones, what happens internally after a hysterectomy, and some physical and mental changes that you may experience right away and in the long term.
What Is Hysterectomy Surgery?
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove a woman’s uterus. There are different types of hysterectomies and different techniques used to perform them, and the type and technique used can vary depending upon the circumstances. The different types of uterus removal include:
- Total hysterectomy which involves the removal of both the uterus and cervix (the lower part of the uterus);
- Partial or supracervical hysterectomy where only the uterus is removed and the cervix is retained;
- Radical hysterectomy is usually performed due to cancer and involves the removal of the uterus, cervix, parts of the vagina, and sometimes nearby tissues.
A hysterectomy can involve the removal of your ovaries (oophorectomy), or they may be left intact to continue to produce important hormones your body needs. One ovary may be removed (unilateral oophorectomy) or both ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy), but removing both ovaries will instantly send your body into surgical menopause caused by the sudden loss of hormones.
What Changes Inside Your Body After a Hysterectomy?
You can expect some changes to your body before and after a hysterectomy, with some occurring right after and others that happen gradually.
You Will No Longer Have A Uterus
The first and most immediate change is that you will no longer have a uterus, which means you are no longer able to conceive and bear children. Your menstrual cycles will immediately stop, as will the associated symptoms like cramps and heavy bleeding.
Changes With Your Ovaries
If your ovaries are preserved, they may continue to function properly and produce hormones like estrogen and progesterone, and help your body maintain a proper hormonal balance. In some cases, once your uterus is removed, one or both ovaries may fail, which can cause fluctuating hormone levels, which can cause PMS-like symptoms, or you may experience menopause earlier than normal.
If both your ovaries are removed, you will experience a sharp drop in hormones, and your body will go through menopause right away, regardless of your age. Sudden menopause is intense, and symptoms are more severe than when you enter menopause gradually. Symptoms may include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats;
- Vaginal dryness;
- Mood swings or depression;
- Trouble with sleeping;
- Reduction in sex drive;
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating;
- Increased risk for other medical conditions such as heart disease, osteoporosis, dementia, etc.
Changes to the Female Anatomy After a Hysterectomy
The removal of your uterus can alter the inside of your body after a hysterectomy and change the position of some of your pelvic organs. This can affect different areas of your everyday life, including:
Weakens Your Pelvic Floor
When your uterus is removed, it eliminates some of the structure that is keeping some of your other organs in place and can cause pelvic organ prolapse, which is what happens when these organs shift or move into other areas.
Weakened Core
The pelvic floor muscles are part of your core, and if they become weaker, it can affect your posture, core strength, and even your balance.
Reduction In Bladder Control
Some women may notice more frequent urination, trouble emptying the bladder completely, or even leaks when sneezing, laughing, or exercising, which can range from annoying to severe.
Changes In Bowel Movements
Sometimes the shift in organs and changes that happen inside your body after a hysterectomy can cause issues with bowel movements and cause constipation, more frequent bowel movements, or pressure in the rectal area.
Issues With Intimacy
Depending on the extent of the hysterectomy, women can experience vaginal dryness, pain or uncomfortable pressure during sex, or they may lose their desire for sex. In some cases, the vagina may be shorter or tighter, especially if the cervix was removed, which can affect comfort and sensation during sex, so they may experience a reduction in pleasure or be unable to achieve orgasm.
Ongoing Pelvic Pain or Pressure
Some women continue to feel pressure or aching in their lower belly or pelvic area, even after they have fully recovered from the surgery.
Changes In Your Body Shape
Many women ask, “Does removing the uterus change body shape?” or “Do you lose the curve in your back after a hysterectomy?” The answer is yes, you can experience physical appearance changes after a hysterectomy, which will depend on your specific anatomy and the extent of your surgery.
Some women notice a difference in their posture or curves because when the uterus is removed, it can affect their core and pelvic muscles and make them weaker, which can change how their stomach and lower back look and feel.
Some women say they lose the natural curve in their lower back or feel like they are more hunched forward. Others have reported a thicker or more bloated belly.
Increase In Body Weight
Some women gain weight after a hysterectomy, but it is not usually due to the removal of the uterus itself. Some of the reasons women gain weight after a hysterectomy include:
- An imbalance of hormones after a hysterectomy which can slow down your metabolism;
- Being less active while recovering and eating the same amount of food as usual;
- Feeling emotional after surgery, which can influence your eating habits or lead to emotional eating;
- Losing muscle due to being less active can make it easier to gain fat and harder to keep weight off.
The Hidden Emotional Challenges of Life After a Hysterectomy
Experiencing emotional and body image issues after a hysterectomy is more common than people think. For some women, losing their uterus can feel like losing a part of their identity, especially if they hoped to have children. Even if they were done having kids, the idea of no longer being able to can still be an adjustment they were not prepared to make. After a hysterectomy, you may experience:
- Feelings like a part of your identity is missing;
- Sadness or grief over the loss of fertility, even if you did not plan to have children;
- Feelings of being less feminine or like your body is not complete anymore;
- Worrying about how your body looks, especially if there is weight gain, bloating, or visible scarring;
- Feeling unattractive or self-conscious during intimacy because of changes in sexual response, comfort, or confidence;
- Struggling with mood swings, anxiety, or depression;
- Trouble sleeping or feeling emotionally drained;
- Needing extra emotional support but feeling like those around you do not understand what you are going through.
Body and Hormonal Changes After a Hysterectomy
to see the entire table
| Before Hysterectomy | After Hysterectomy | |
|---|---|---|
| Uterus | In place and present to support pregnancy, causes monthly periods, linked to proper functioning of other vital organs. | Removed, no periods, no chance of pregnancy, increased risk of developing long term issues with your heart, bones, and memory. |
| Ovaries | Produce estrogen and progesterone, and control your period cycle. | Still produce hormones, but may slowly decline with age or may fail as a result of removing the uterus. |
| Hormone Levels | Normal for your age and balanced by your ovaries. | May slowly decrease gradually or you may experience early menopause. |
| Menstrual Cycle | Monthly bleeding, cramps, and PMS symptoms. | Stops completely, no more periods or PMS. |
| Stomach Area | May feel full, bloated, or tender during your monthly cycle. | Can feel lighter with mild swelling and soreness during recovery. |
| Pelvic Muscles | Uterus provides support to your pelvic floor and enhances your core strength. | May weaken and cause prolapse of organs leading to urinary incontinence and other issues. |
| Bladder Control | Normal control and frequency. | You may notice more urgency, light leakage, or issues with completely emptying your bladder. |
| Bowel Movements | Regular, depending on diet and habits. | May experience more pressure, constipation, or changes in frequency. |
| Sexual Function | Normal comfort, sensation, and desire. (depends upon the reason your doctor suggested hysterectomy surgery). | May improve your sex life due to the elimination of unpleasant symptoms, or you may experience dryness, lack of desire, or changes in sensation and ability to climax. |
| Body Image | Feels normal or as expected. | Some may feel embarrassed about scars, belly shape, or sexual changes. |
| Emotions & Mental Health | Normal ups and downs. | Some may feel sadness, grief, or intense mood swings. |
| Energy Levels | Normal for age and health. | Reduced during recovery but should gradually improve. |
| Posture & Core Strength | Normal, uterus helps with internal balance. | May change slightly if pelvic muscles weaken, which can cause your posture to shift. |
Are There Alternatives To Hysterectomy?
In the United States, around 600,000 women have a hysterectomy each year, but only about 10% of those surgeries are truly needed for serious medical reasons like cancer. Most of the time, the main reason women are told to get a hysterectomy is to relieve problems caused by uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding, pain, and pressure.
Most women are never told this, but a hysterectomy is not their only option for eliminating uterine fibroids or the symptoms they cause. About 95% of the time, a treatment called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) can be a safer, more effective, and better choice. UFE is a non-surgical procedure that blocks the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and die, which will eliminate their symptoms. It allows your uterus to remain in its rightful place, has a shorter recovery time, and avoids the changes and risks that come with a hysterectomy.
The Atlanta Fibroid Center Offers UFE to Avoid Hysterectomy
If you would like to avoid having a hysterectomy and the body changes after uterus removal, contact the Atlanta Fibroid Center today and learn more about UFE. If you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids or adenomyosis and have been told by your OBGYN that you should have a hysterectomy, you are likely to be a good candidate for UFE.
Uterine fibroid embolization is performed by an interventional radiologist who has very special training and can precisely target the tiny blood vessels that are keeping the fibroids alive and growing. Tiny particles are injected into these vessels to block these pathways, cutting off their life source and causing them to shrink and die.
OB/GYNs are trained to perform surgery, so they only offer invasive myomectomy and hysterectomy surgery as options for treatment. Obviously, the right choice for you depends on your specific health situation, but it is important for you to understand that in most cases, surgery is not necessary.
Set up your consultation today to learn more about uterine fibroid embolization and how the Atlanta Fibroid Center can help you avoid body changes that can happen as a result of uterus removal.
