Thriving After Hysterectomy: A Holistic Path to Healing and Strength
Over 600,000 hysterectomies are performed in the United States each year. It’s the second most common surgical procedure for women, after cesarean section. In fact, 1 in 3 women will have their uterus removed by age 60. Yet, many women aren’t fully prepared for the physical, emotional, and hormonal shifts that can follow this major surgery.
Whether your hysterectomy was medically necessary or chosen to improve your quality of life, what comes next matters just as much as the procedure itself. And it’s not just about healing the surgical site—it’s about tending to the whole you: your body, hormones, emotions, and lifestyle.
Understanding the Types of Hysterectomy
There are three main types of hysterectomy:
Partial – Removal of the uterus only
Total – Removal of the uterus and cervix
Radical – Removal of the uterus, cervix, and ovaries
A hysterectomy may be performed due to cancer, fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic organ prolapse, or chronic bleeding. However, studies show that up to 20% of hysterectomies may be unnecessary, with patients often not informed about conservative alternatives first.
Hormone Health After Hysterectomy
One of the most overlooked aspects of post-hysterectomy recovery is the impact on hormone balance. Even if the ovaries are preserved, the removal of the uterus can still influence estrogen production over time. If the ovaries are removed, menopause begins immediately—bringing with it a dramatic shift in hormone levels.
This drop in estrogen can lead to symptoms like:
Mood swings and anxiety
Vaginal dryness and thinning
Sleep disruptions
Hot flashes
Low libido
Incontinence or pelvic discomfort
Estrogen plays a key role in bone density, heart health, brain function, and pelvic floor support. That’s why supporting your hormone health post-surgery isn’t just about easing hot flashes—it’s essential for your long-term well-being.
Why a holistic approach Matters
Recovering from a hysterectomy goes beyond physical healing. It requires a holistic recalibration of your health, especially if you’re navigating perimenopause or menopause at the same time.
This is where midlife wellness coaching can make a profound difference.
As a pelvic health physical therapist and certified integrative wellness coach, I help women:
Understand and support their hormonal shifts
Rebuild strength and movement with pelvic floor-safe exercises
Prioritize nutrient-dense eating that supports healing and hormone balance
Learn tools to manage stress and emotional fluctuations
Reconnect with their bodies and self-trust after surgery or years of symptoms
Together, we create a personalized plan that supports your whole self, not just the parts affected by surgery.
The Role of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
A hysterectomy can increase your risk of pelvic organ prolapse, especially if you already had underlying pelvic floor dysfunction. That’s why pelvic floor physical therapy is a vital piece of your recovery.
We assess your posture, movement, core stability, breathing, and pelvic floor strength to prevent complications and help you safely return to everyday activities. If you’re experiencing leaking, pressure, or discomfort, these symptoms can often be addressed without medication or surgery.
Thriving, Not Just Surviving
This isn’t meant to scare you—it’s here to empower you. You deserve to understand what’s happening in your body and get the support you need to feel like yourself again.
With the right care team, you can move from recovery to thriving—feeling stronger, more confident, and more in tune with your body than ever before.
Ready to Feel Like You Again?
If you’ve had a hysterectomy—or are preparing for one—let’s talk. Together, we can create a comprehensive recovery plan that addresses your physical, emotional, and hormonal needs.
Because thriving after hysterectomy isn’t just possible—it’s your right.