FLUXX Glossary
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove the uterus - usually for fibroids, heavy bleeding, endometriosis, pelvic pain, or cancer prevention/treatment. After the surgery, you no longer menstruate and cannot become pregnant.
Sometimes the cervix, fallopian tubes, or ovaries are removed too:
If both ovaries are removed (bilateral oophorectomy), menopause starts immediately - this is called surgical menopause.
If ovaries are preserved, hormone changes may still arrive earlier than average, because the surgery can reduce ovarian blood flow and function.
Related Terms
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Hysterectomy Types
A hysterectomy is one of the most common gynecological surgeries. The impact on a hysterectomy patient's menopause depends on which organs are removed. This overview shows the main types of hysterectomy, what is removed, and how each can affect menopause.
Hysterectomy Type | Organs Removed | Menopause Impact |
|---|---|---|
Partial Hysterectomy | Uterus removed | Periods stop, ovaries still produce hormones. Menopause may come earlier than average. |
Total Hysterectomy | Uterus and cervix removed | Same as above. Menopause may come earlier if ovaries are affected by reduced blood supply. |
Hysterectomy with Oophorectomy | Ovaries removed along with the uterus | Surgical menopause: Menopause starts right away, often with sharp onset of symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and vaginal dryness |
Radical Hysterectomy | Uterus, cervix, part of vagina, and surrounding tissue removed (usually for cancer) | Surgical menopause if ovaries removed. May require combined treatments and closer follow-up. |
Common Symptoms & Health Factors
Women who have had a hysterectomy may experience the same symptoms as natural menopause, though timing and severity vary. These risks can sound frightening, but they are manageable. The key is awareness, early screening, and supportive care.
Common Symptoms | Health Factors & Considerations |
|---|---|
Heart health: Hysterectomy, even with ovaries conserved, is linked to higher risk of heart disease and stroke, especially if surgery happened before age 45. | |
Weight gain and metabolic changes | Bone health: The loss of estrogen accelerates bone thinning. Osteoporosis and fractures are more common after early menopause. |
Mood shifts, anxiety, or depression | Cognitive function: Surgical menopause has been linked to higher risks of depression and, in some studies, cognitive decline. |
Emotional well-being: Feelings of grief, loss, or frustration are valid and common. Support is part of healing. |
Hysterectomy Treatment & Support Options
If you've had a hysterectomy, you're not alone: Millions of women navigate this transition every year. Your symptoms and feelings are real, and you deserve care that supports both your body and your mind.
Hormone Therapy (HT) | Non-hormonal options | Lifestyle support |
|---|---|---|
Estrogen-only therapy is often recommended. | SSRIs or SNRIs for hot flashes and mood support. | Balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein |
Combination therapy may be used if there is a history of endometriosis. | Gabapentin or fezolinetant (Veozah) for vasomotor symptoms. | Good sleep habits, magnesium supplements, and mindfulness practices |
Testosterone can be considered if low libido persists despite estrogen therapy. | Vaginal moisturizers or local estrogen for dryness. | Weight-bearing and cardiovascular exercise for bone and heart health, pelvic floor exercises for bladder and sexual health |
Talk to your menopause clinician:
If you've had a hysterectomy:
Which organs were removed during my surgery, and how does that affect my hormone needs?
Should I begin hormone therapy now, and what type is best for me?
How should I monitor my bone and heart health moving forward?
What non-hormonal options are available if I cannot take hormones?
If you're considering or planning to have a hysterectomy:
Will my ovaries be removed? How does that change my menopause timing?
Should I start systemic or local hormone therapy immediately after surgery?
What are my non-hormonal options for bone and heart health?
What follow-up screenings do I need?
Clinical Notes & Source Citations
Click into each element to learn more about the evidence behind it.
Evidence shows that hysterectomy with ovarian conservation is associated with earlier ovarian failure, often by about 4 years.
Both surgical menopause and earlier natural menopause after hysterectomy increase risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, depression, and cognitive decline.
Estrogen therapy is recommended for women experiencing premature surgical menopause until the age of natural menopause unless contraindicated.
Early counseling on long-term screening and treatment options is essential.
