A hysterectomy is a major surgery that can cause a lot of physical and emotional stress. One of the most common side effects of a hysterectomy is fatigue.
Many women report feeling tired for weeks or even months after their surgery.
What causes fatigue after a hysterectomy?
Anesthesia
One of the most common causes of fatigue after a hysterectomy is anesthesia.
It's not unusual to feel groggy and disoriented for a day or two after the anesthesia has worn off; in some cases, it can take much longer to recover from the effects.
Poor sleep
It's also not uncommon to have difficulty sleeping after a hysterectomy. The pain and discomfort can make it difficult to fall asleep, and the hormones released during surgery can disrupt your natural sleep cycle.
Pain
Pain is another common cause of fatigue after a hysterectomy. The good news is that the pain should start to improve within a few weeks as your body heals from the surgery.
Lack of exercise
A sudden lack of exercise after surgery can lead to serious fatigue. If you were used to being active before your surgery, it could be tough to suddenly have to take it easy.
But it's important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. Try gradually adding some light activity back into your life, such as walking or gentle stretching.
Poor diet
Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone, but it's especially important if you've just had surgery. Sugary drinks, candy, junk food and processed foods can all lead to an energy crash later on.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes are another common cause of fatigue after a hysterectomy, even if you still have your ovaries.
A hysterectomy removes your uterus. Your ovaries are a separate procedure (called an oophorectomy), and whether or not they came out changes what happens next. If they did, your estrogen dropped suddenly and significantly, and that alone can cause hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and fatigue.
Even if your ovaries were left in, they can still be affected. They share blood supply with the uterus, and removing the uterus can compromise it.
In one study, women who kept their ovaries were still almost twice as likely to go into early ovarian failure compared to women who didn't have surgery at all. Either way, if fatigue is hanging around longer than you expected, talk to your doctor, and ask about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) by name.
How To Deal With Fatigue After Hysterectomy
If you're dealing with post-hysterectomy fatigue, here are five ways to cope.
Get Plenty of Rest
This may seem like an obvious solution, but it's important to listen to your body and get as much rest as possible.
Your body is working hard to heal itself, which takes a lot of energy. Try to take it easy for the first few weeks after your surgery. Take naps when you can, and don't push yourself too hard.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating nutritious foods will help your body recover from surgery more quickly. Fuel your body with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
Avoid processed foods, high-fat foods, and sugary drinks, which can all contribute to fatigue.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise may be the last thing you feel like doing when you're tired, but it can actually help improve your energy levels and boost your metabolism.
Just be sure to start slow and build up gradually. Walking is a great way to get some low-impact exercise while you're recovering from surgery.
Reduce Stress Levels
Stress can make fatigue worse, so it's important to find ways to relax and de-stress. Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can all help reduce stress levels.
Alternatively, you might find relief in talking to a therapist or counsellor about your feelings following surgery.
Take Time for Yourself
It's normal to feel overwhelmed after a major surgery like a hysterectomy. Be sure to give yourself time to adjust emotionally as well as physically.
Do things that make you happy and take care of yourself both mentally and physically.
Conclusion
Fatigue is common after a hysterectomy, but there are things that you can do to combat it.
Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly.
If you're still feeling fatigued after doing these things, talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy or other treatments that may be helpful for you.