Hormone Problems After a Hysterectomy

Overview

A hysterectomy is a surgery in which all or some of a woman's reproductive organs are removed. A hysterectomy may be needed to treat conditions like endometriosis, cancer of the reproductive system, a prolapsed uterus (that sticks into the vagina), uterine fibroids and many other problems, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine. After undergoing hysterectomy, a number of hormone problems can result.

The Surgery

A hysterectomy involves removal of all or part of the uterus, and it may also require the removal of the ovaries (which produce eggs) or the fallopian tubes. The ovaries also produce the hormone estrogen, and if they are removed during the hysterectomy, you'll experience symptoms caused by lack of estrogen. To stop these hormone problems, you may need to consider hormone replacement therapy.

Recovery

It can take four to six weeks to recover from a hysterectomy that was performed through the abdomen. Recovery for a vaginal hysterectomy is quicker, taking only about three to four weeks. After you've recovered, you'll no longer be able to have children but sexual function should not be affected by the surgery alone. If the ovaries were removed, your body will go into menopause, the process by which menstruation stops.

Symptoms of Hormone Loss

You'll no longer have menstrual periods after your hysterectomy, says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Menopause strikes quickly with no ovaries and no estrogen production. You may suffer from insomnia, night sweats, hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

Osteoporosis

One of the biggest and most dangerous hormone problems after hysterectomy is osteoporosis, or loss of bone mass, according to ACOG. Estrogen is crucial in promoting bone density and preventing bone loss, and without estrogen, bone quickly deteriorates. Low bone mass increases your risk of fractures.

Hormone replacement therapy

To help manage hormone problems after hysterectomy, you may consider hormone replacement therapy. This involves estrogen medications to replace what your body can no longer produce. Though it can help alleviate symptoms of menopause and reduce osteoporosis risk, the NLM notes that there are some serious risks associated with hormone replacement therapy. It increases the risk of developing a blood clot, diseases of the gallbladder, heart disease and cancer.