So you’ve noticed your waistline has expanded and now you’re desperate to lose weight after your hysterectomy. That’s understandable. No one wants to add a second problem to the first. We’ll show you what to do about it.
Or perhaps you’re a woman who will soon have a hysterectomy? Here’s what you need to know about how your upcoming procedure could affect your weight and how you can lose weight after your hysterectomy.
The good news is there are multiple ways to start losing that weight, and we’ll show you how.
What is it About a Hysterectomy that Causes the Need to Lose Weight?
A hysterectomy removes the uterus, which can cause changes in your hormone production, especially if the ovaries are removed at the same time. When the body’s hormonal balance shifts, one symptom you soon notice can be a change in your weight.
The reason this happens is because of estrogen, the female hormone that controls reproduction. It’s closely tied to the organs in the female reproductive system. And those have just been removed.
So the level and balance of hormones in the body is now likely to shift. You might notice this change alongside other symptoms such as:
- Sleep disruption. Many women find sleeping difficult when estrogen levels drop. Some find falling asleep more challenging, others experience night sweats and shorter sleep cycles than in the past.
- Reduced energy. Low energy occurs because of the loss of estrogen and because of the sleep disruptions. This reduction in energy levels can cause women to exercise less, which can lead to weight gain after a hysterectomy.
- Slower metabolism. Poor sleep and less energy often precipitate a slowing of the metabolic processes, which can, in turn, lead to weight gain after undergoing a hysterectomy.
This trio of symptoms explains why losing weight after your hysterectomy can become increasingly difficult.
Most women first notice weight as it gathers on their waistline. Of course, you can’t see the fat that’s also accumulating around your internal organs like your liver and heart. (There’s a wonderful diagram on the Mayo Clinic site!) But this internal fat, known as visceral fat, puts you at risk for conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
And typically, this weight gain after a hysterectomy occurs without you having made any significant changes in lifestyle or habits – which seems somewhat unfair!
So the situation you find yourself in can be frustrating. But while it’s frustrating, it’s also important to know there are multiple techniques to help you lose weight after your hysterectomy.
If you prefer to talk to us about your problem so we can help you lose some of that weight, make an online appointment with Nava Health and Vitality Center today.
But now you know the reasons for your weight gain, here are our best tips on actions you can take RIGHT AWAY to help you start feeling your best again.
1 Lifestyle Changes That Will Help You Lose Weight After Your Operation
Diet and exercise can help slow weight gain after a hysterectomy, although lifestyle changes may not be enough to curb all the effects of a hysterectomy. Changes that can help include:
- Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, low in saturated fats
- Exercising on a regular basis, about 150 minutes per week (unless engaging in aerobic exercise, in which case 75 minutes per week may be adequate)
- Allowing extra time for sleeping at night
- Asking your medical provider for some hormone therapy
Let’s look at that last one in more detail.
2 Hormone Therapy to Help You Lose Weight After a Hysterectomy
Hormone therapy after a hysterectomy is an effective way to reverse some effects of low estrogen.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) differs from traditional hormone replacement therapy in that it is customized for you. This means it is more effective at restoring your body’s natural hormones and helping you return to your former self.
Seeking natural hormone replacement therapy after your hysterectomy?
At Nava Health and Vitality Center, we provide natural hormone replacement after hysterectomy, oophorectomy, menopause and perimenopause. To find out more about how you can benefit from BHRT after a hysterectomy, contact us to set up your appointment today.
It’s Not Just About Losing Weight After Your Hysterectomy!
After you reach the age of 40 or so, hormones and weight can go through rapid changes and fluctuation that leave you whirling. Hormone therapy is therefore also good for helping you with the many other reasons you might experience weight gain or loss during these years. It’s worth considering, if you’re concerned.
Obviously, HRT for menopause and natural aging should be administered by someone who’s experienced in the medical field and who understands the body’s hormones.
At Nava, we have professionals who take an integrated approach to your wellness – focused on preventing, restoring and optimizing your health.
Call us today or make an online appointment so you can start to take control of your situation and choose what to do to prevent it getting worse. Aim to be 100% you again!
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