Returning to Your Regular Routine
Getting back to a normal routine after your hysterectomy may take some time.
Women with sedentary jobs may return to work in a couple of weeks, while women
in more strenuous occupations may require 6 weeks or longer.
Generally, you can gradually return to your regular exercise routine in 6-8
weeks. Exercising too soon or too vigorously can compromise your recovery.
Although work and exercise are important, the key is not to take on too much
before your body is ready. Talk to your doctor before starting any physical
activity.
Hormones
If your ovaries are removed as part of a hysterectomy, your hormone levels will
dramatically change, reducing estrogen. This can cause a variety of mild to
severe menopause
symptoms, depending on the level of estrogen prior to your
hysterectomy. Generally, the more estrogen you produced before the surgery, the
more symptomatic you will be when the sources (ovaries) are removed. To relieve
certain moderate to severe menopausal symptoms1 and
to help prevent postmeopausal osteoporosis, you can take
estrogen therapy (ET).
Sex
Approximately one-third of women will experience some form of vaginal problems during
their lifetime. Vaginal problems are a common symptom in menopausal women since decreasing
levels of estrogen can cause the vagina to be less lubricated and the vaginal lining to thin.
Some women also experience inflammation of vaginal tissue, and narrowing and shortening
of the vagina. Vaginal dryness can cause itching and/or burning and increase a woman's
chance of vaginal infection. All of these symptoms may cause sex to become uncomfortable
or even painful.
But ladies, you are not "finished at 50!" While menopause marks the end of your reproductive cycle,
it does not have to signal the end of your sexuality. Treatments such as estrogen therapy or
over-the-counter, water-based lubricants like K-Y® Jelly, Astroglide®
and Replens® Vaginal Moisturizer
can treat symptoms of vaginal dryness. Talk with your healthcare provider about which treatment option
may be best for you.