Does hysterectomy cause weight gain?

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which doctors completely remove the patient’s uterus. This type of intervention is indicated for patients with benign diseases of the uterus who have not responded adequately to other treatments used previously. Endometrial-related problems are the main reason for needing a hysterectomy, but there are other problems against which it is also recommended.

Despite being a very invasive procedure, since it involves the complete subtraction of an organ, hysterectomy is relatively simple and its recovery is not usually expensive. The hospitalization period usually varies between 48 and 96 hours and, after being discharged, the woman can go home, resting until she feels completely recovered.

Consequences of hysterectomy

Once the uterus is completely removed, naturally, the woman will no longer go through menstrual cycles. However, if the ovaries have not also been removed in the operation, hormonal changes will continue to occur every month, so the only thing that will not happen is actual bleeding. If the ovaries have been removed, the hormonal changes experienced by the woman will be similar to those of menopause. Also, it will be impossible to get pregnant after the procedure.

The ovaries produce estrogen, which plays a number of functions in the body, helping to prevent osteoporosis and heart problems, for example. For this reason, the gynecologist is likely to prescribe hormone replacement.

Hysterectomy and weight gain

Some patients, after undergoing the procedure, reported a sudden weight gain. In fact, this side effect is relatively common in postoperative patients and may be related to a few different factors. Medicine has not yet been able to explain in detail the reasons for this weight gain, but there are some theories that should be considered.

The first one relates fat to increased production of the male hormone, also known as progesterone. Another attributes the weight gain to decreased levels of estrogen in the blood. The recovery time after hysterectomy surgery can also be a determining factor for weight gain, since the practice of physical exercises will be quite restricted for some time, until the patient is released to do so.

There is no medical evidence that hysterectomy actually causes weight gain, but there are several reports of women who have had the procedure and have noticed a significant increase.

Tips for losing weight after hysterectomy

Firstly, as your physical activities are restricted, it is important to be constantly vigilant not to overeat. Remember that the calories ingested cannot be spent through exercise, so try to control yourself better.

Investing in less expensive exercises, such as yoga or Pilates, for example, can be a good way to get back into activity after the initial recovery period, as long as this type of activity is approved by the doctor in charge. In addition, it is also worth giving preference to light foods and without much fat.

If possible, look for a nutritionist to help you organize your food, but constantly follow up with the gynecologist responsible for the operation. He will be able to guide you so that your exercise routine is healthy and directed to the postoperative period.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.