Does Hysterectomy Cause Weight Loss?

Published: 24 May 2025

Key Takeaways

Early post-op weight loss is mostly fluid, not fat—track intake to support healing.
Long-term weight shifts hinge on hormones, especially if ovaries are removed—add resistance training.
Prevent unwanted gain with protein-focused meals, portion control, gentle exercise, and good sleep.

Does hysterectomy cause weight loss? Studies show that 70–80 percent of women lose 2–5 pounds in the first week after surgery due to fluid shifts and reduced appetite.

As your body heals, you may notice more changes tied to hormones and activity levels. In this article, I’ll explain what drives these shifts, when they matter, and how you can manage your weight safely.

Table of Content

Immediate Post-Op Weight Changes

Why Am I Losing Weight After a Hysterectomy?

Experiencing weight loss shortly after a hysterectomy is common and usually temporary. Several physiological factors contribute to this initial change:

1- Fluid Shifts

After surgery, your body often holds extra fluid around tissues as part of the healing process. This happens because:

IV fluids and inflammation: During the operation, you’ll receive IV (Intravenous) fluids. Your body also reacts to the “injury” by sending fluid and immune cells to the surgical area.
Edema build-up: That extra fluid can collect in your tissues, causing mild swelling (edema).
Diuresis: Once the acute healing phase passes, your kidneys work to remove this surplus. You’ll pee out more water than usual, this is called diuresis.

When that extra water leaves your body, the scale goes down. It isn’t fat you’ve lost, but simply excess fluid your body no longer needs.

2- Reduced Appetite

Anesthesia, pain medications, and the body’s stress response to surgery can suppress appetite, leading to decreased caloric intake. Post-surgical nausea or changes in bowel habits can further reduce food consumption.

Tip

Keep a simple food diary to monitor your daily intake. This can help ensure you’re consuming adequate nutrients to support healing.

Rapid Weight Loss After Hysterectomy

While some weight loss is expected, losing more than 5% of your body weight within a month warrants medical attention. Such rapid loss could indicate complications like infection, hormonal imbalances, or other underlying conditions.

Learn more about the possible causes of unexplained weight loss and when to seek help.

For instance, a user on Reddit shared:

“I dropped 10 pounds in two weeks post-surgery and felt constantly fatigued. Turned out I had an infection that needed prompt treatment.”

Longer-Term Weight Trends

Will I Lose Weight After Hysterectomy for Fibroids?

While some women experience weight loss after a hysterectomy for fibroids, it’s not guaranteed.

Immediate Weight Loss: Fibroid Mass and Bloating

Fibroid Mass Removal: Large fibroids can weigh several pounds. Their surgical removal can immediately decrease body weight.
Reduction in Bloating: Fibroids often cause abdominal bloating. Post-surgery, many women notice a flatter stomach and reduced bloating. (1)

Long-Term Weight Changes: Influencing Factors

Hormonal Shifts: If the ovaries are removed during hysterectomy, estrogen levels drop, leading to a slower metabolism and potential weight gain. (2)
Lifestyle Adjustments: Post-surgery recovery may limit physical activity. Without dietary adjustments, this can lead to weight gain.
Metabolic Changes: Surgical menopause can alter fat distribution, often increasing abdominal fat. (3)

If you’re curious how other surgeries affect weight, check out this guide on weight changes after gallbladder surgery.

A user on Quora shared

“After my hysterectomy for fibroids, I noticed a significant reduction in bloating and felt lighter overall. However, maintaining that weight required consistent effort with diet and exercise.”

Tip

Incorporate gentle walking into your daily routine. It not only boosts metabolism but also aids in recovery and overall well-being.

How to Lose Weight After Hysterectomy and Ovary Removal

The removal of ovaries during a hysterectomy leads to a sudden drop in estrogen levels, a condition known as surgical menopause.

Sudden Estrogen Loss and Its Effects

Metabolic Slowdown: Estrogen plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism. Its abrupt decline can reduce resting metabolic rate, leading to fewer calories burned at rest.
Increased Fat Storage: According to the Nava Health, lower estrogen levels can lead to an increase in fat accumulation, particularly around the abdomen.
Muscle Mass Reduction: Estrogen helps maintain muscle mass. Its deficiency can result in muscle loss, further decreasing metabolic rate.

A patient described their experience:

“Imagine waking up feeling tired and sluggish, even after a full night’s sleep. That’s how I felt post-surgery, and the weight just seemed to stick.

Preventing Unwanted Weight Gain

How to Stop Weight Gain After Hysterectomy

Weight gain after a hysterectomy is a common concern, often influenced by hormonal changes, reduced physical activity during recovery, and metabolic shifts. However, adopting specific strategies can help manage and prevent unwanted weight gain.

Key Habits to Adopt:

Balanced Diet with Protein Focus: Incorporate a variety of whole foods, emphasizing lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Protein-rich diets can help maintain muscle mass and promote satiety, reducing overall calorie intake.
Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating. Using smaller plates and measuring servings can aid in controlling calorie intake.
Regular Physical Activity: Engage in low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga, as recommended by your healthcare provider. Regular activity helps boost metabolism and maintain a healthy weight.
Hydration: Drinking adequate water can aid digestion and prevent overeating by promoting a sense of fullness.

Expert Insight:

According to the Endocrine Society, reducing the intake of processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, while focusing on nutrient-dense whole foods, is crucial in managing weight. Endocrine Society

Real-Life Tip:

Preparing weekly meals in portion-controlled containers can simplify healthy eating and prevent impulsive food choices. This strategy ensures balanced meals are readily available, reducing the temptation of unhealthy snacks.

5. Active Weight-Loss Strategies

5.1 Fastest Way to Lose Weight After Hysterectomy

Post-hysterectomy, the body undergoes hormonal and metabolic changes that can influence weight. Engaging in safe, progressive physical activity is essential to promote weight loss and overall well-being.

Safe Cardio Progressions:

Begin with Short Walks: Start with 10-minute walks, gradually increasing duration as tolerated.
Low-Impact Exercises: Incorporate activities like swimming or cycling to minimize joint stress.
Strength Training: Once cleared by a healthcare provider, include resistance exercises to build muscle mass, which can boost metabolism.

Tip

Schedule workouts as non-negotiable appointments to ensure consistency.

5.2 Supplements for Weight Loss After Hysterectomy

Certain supplements may support weight loss efforts post-hysterectomy, especially when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Evidence-Backed Supplements:

Vitamin D: Essential for bone health and may aid in weight management. A daily intake of 1,000 IU is commonly recommended.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Support heart health and may assist in reducing inflammation and improving metabolic profiles.
Protein Supplements Can help maintain muscle mass during weight loss. Whey protein, in particular, is beneficial post-surgery.

“I recommend 1,000 IU vitamin D daily to support overall health and assist in weight management.” Dr. Ahmed, Nutritional Specialist

Caution

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement to ensure it’s appropriate for your individual health needs.

Conclusion

Weight can shift after a hysterectomy because of fluid changes, lower appetite, and hormone shifts, but you can manage it by eating balanced, protein-rich meals, staying active with gentle exercise, and prioritizing good sleep. If you lose or gain more than five percent of your body weight in a month or feel constant fatigue or severe nausea, talk with your doctor right away. I know it can feel overwhelming at times, but you are not alone; small steps add up to big improvements in your health.

8. FAQs

1- What causes weight loss after a hysterectomy?

Fluid shifts, reduced appetite, and pain medications often lead to small weight drops right after surgery.

2- How much weight do you lose from a hysterectomy?

Most women lose about 2–5 pounds in the first week due to fluid loss and lower food intake.

3- What is considered rapid weight loss?

Losing more than 5% of your body weight within one month is usually called rapid weight loss.

4- How much weight loss is alarming?

A drop greater than 5% of your total body weight in a month or persistent fatigue with weight loss should prompt a doctor’s visit.

5- Why am I losing weight after surgery?

Surgery stresses your body, can curb appetite, and often causes extra fluid loss, all of which lower the scale.

6- Is losing 5 kg in 3 months healthy?

Yes—losing around 0.5–1 kg per week (up to 5 kg in three months) is a safe, sustainable rate for most people.

7- Do you look older after a hysterectomy?

If ovaries are removed, lower estrogen levels can thin skin and hair; hormone therapy and good skincare can help maintain a youthful look.

8- Can I get a flat stomach after a hysterectomy?

With your doctor’s okay, gentle core strengthening and low-impact cardio can tone your midsection over time.

9- What are the side effects of having a hysterectomy?

Common effects include fatigue, hormonal changes, mood shifts, and possible shifts in appetite or weight.

10- Does the removal of the uterus cause weight loss?

Removing the uterus itself doesn’t burn calories, but related factors (fluids, hormones, activity) can lead to modest weight changes.

References

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📚 Sources

1- Gupta, S., Jose, J., & Manyonda, I. (2008). Clinical presentation of fibroids. Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology, 22(4), 615–626. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2008.01.008

2- Mauvais-Jarvis, F., Clegg, D. J., & Hevener, A. L. (2013). The Role of Estrogens in Control of Energy Balance and Glucose Homeostasis. Endocrine Reviews, 34(3), 309. https://doi.org/10.1210/er.2012-1055

3- Ko, H., & Jung, Y. (2021). Energy Metabolism Changes and Dysregulated Lipid Metabolism in Postmenopausal Women. Nutrients, 13(12), 4556. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124556

4- Moorman, P. G., Schildkraut, J. M., Iversen, E. S., Myers, E. R., Gradison, M., Warren-White, N., & Wang, F. (2009). A prospective study of weight gain after premenopausal hysterectomy. Journal of women’s health (2002), 18(5), 699–708. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2008.1019

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