Hysterectomy And Hair Loss

Women face natural health challenges throughout their life like menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Some women also undergo hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus. All these events can cause hormonal fluctuations and associated problems.

Hysterectomy also brings several complications that make life difficult for women. Hair loss is one of the many concerns for those undergoing this procedure.

Let’s dive into more details about the types of hysterectomy, factors associated with the hair loss and the management plan.

Why Do Women Undergo Hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy is usually not an elective (by choice) procedure. It is most often the result of an unfortunate medical condition. Here is the list of health problems for which your doctor might suggest this surgical procedure:

• Uterine fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Gynecological cancer
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Heavy menstruation
• As a complication of birth
• Uterine prolapse

What Are The Different Types Of Hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy can be of several types. The choice of the procedure depends upon the age and the needs of the patient, usually decided by the surgeon. The types include:

• Partial Hysterectomy: Only the upper part of the uterus is removed.
• Total Hysterectomy: The entire uterus along with the cervix is surgically removed.
• Radical Hysterectomy: Uterus, cervix and some part of the vagina is removed.
• Hysterectomy With Oophorectomy: Oophorectomy is the surgical removal of the ovaries, which are the main gonads of the females. It can be combined with any of the above mentioned types of hysterectomies according to the surgical needs of the patients.

Ovaries are also the main source for estrogen production. Removing ovaries induces a menopausal-like state in younger women. Therefore, it is safe to say oophorectomy is the main culprit of hair loss in women after hysterectomy.

How Does Hysterectomy Cause Hair Loss?

Removing the uterus significantly changes a woman’s physiology. She will no longer be able to conceive. If one or both ovaries are removed, she will also lose essential female hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

The hair thinning and hair loss in women after hysterectomy can be linked with the three main reasons, such as:

Hormonal Changes

In healthy states, female hormones are in perfect balance with the androgens. This harmony of hormones, gives women finer, feminine and healthy hair, nails and skin.

As hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy deprives the women of these essential female hormones, they tend to experience major physical and mental changes. Some of these changes in addition to hair loss are as follows:

• Hair loss
• Hot flashes
• Mood swings
• Vaginal dryness
• Sleeping difficulty
• Night sweats
• Migraines
• Dry skin
• Weakening of bones
• Weight gain

Stress

Stress is another factor contributing to hair loss post hysterectomy. The body undergoes major changes due to the stress of this invasive surgical procedure. This stress affects hair growth and triggers telogen effluvium (TE), a condition where the normal growth cycle of hair follicles gets disrupted.

Medication

Some medications prescribed after the procedure can cause hair thinning and alopecia. In addition, women experiencing gynecological cancers have to go through chemotherapy sessions, which produces a condition similar to Telogen called Anagen Effluvium.

Difficult Recovery

As the recovery is prolonged and takes time after uterus removal, your nutrients get consumed and leaves your body deficient in essential vitamins and minerals.

So, it is recommended to eat a balanced and nutritious diet throughout the recovery phase in order to keep your body and hair healthy.

How To Treat Hair Loss After Hysterectomy?

Treating hair loss after hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy is challenging. However, it can be managed if treatment is started timely. Here are some tips and strategies to prevent further hair loss:

• Healthy Diet: Balanced and nutritious diet is a key to healthy body and hair. Diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants helps in nourishment of hair follicles. So, it is recommended to add vegetables and fruits in your diet.
• Minoxidil: It increases the blood flow to the scalp when used topically and brings nutrients to the hair follicles that are essential for their growth and lengthening.
• Spironolactone: It is a heart and blood pressure medication with proven efficacy for its anti-androgenic effects. As hair thinning results from androgen and estrogen imbalance, spironolactone helps lower the androgens and prevents hair losing.
• HRT: Hormone replacement therapy is recommended to women experiencing symptoms of menopause. Artificial estrogen is given in the form of oral tablets. Along with improving hair texture, estrogen helps in relieving other problems of menopause.
• Good Hair Care Routine: Devise a proper hair care plan with necessary hair care products. Avoid using the styling irons and heating tools on hair as they additionally damage the hair. Also discontinue the usage of harsh chemical products on your hair.