After a hysterectomy, mood swings are a very common phenomenon. While not always indicated, they tend to be particular common in pre-or peri-menopausal women. They are almost never indicated in women of a more advanced age who generally tend to be post-menopausal already.

The reason for this is that it appears to be closely related to the menopausal process. The hysterectomy in effect produces the sudden onset of menopause with its concomitant drastic shifts in hormone production related to the cessation of the ovulation process. The mood swings mirror each other and are produced during the menopausal process and are in fact one and the same process.

Of course the above scenario will not apply in cases where a full hysterectomy is not completed. Where the ovaries are not removed from the patient's body, this does not result in any significant hormone imbalances thereafter. The body continues normal ovulation despite the removal of the womb and the mood swings after hysterectomy do not come into play here.

The main treatment methodology involves some form of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). This is certainly not without risk as the incidence of heart attacks, stroke and breast cancer tend to increase, specifically in the more elderly patients. Reduced risks were associated with colorectal cancer and bone factors, but the studies had disparate results. Quite rightly based on the above evidence, this treatment modality lost a lot of popularity and was applied only in moderation where indicated.

Rather than blindly dealing with this and other related issues, it would be wise to re-examine the need for the hysterectomy before the operation is scheduled. It would certainly be advisable to get a second opinion and to insist on the exploration of all possible alternatives. As stated previously, the need for the removal of the ovaries in particular needs to be carefully scrutinized.

There is a completely unrelated cause, however. This involves the psychological impact associated with the patient losing their sense of identification as it relates to the expression of their femininity. This can be quite a psychological blow and can be quite overpowering, often requiring some form of counseling or mediation in order especially for the younger female who has effectively lost her reproductive capacity and is no longer able to bear children. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy which could hasten the onset of manic-depressive symptoms.

It is clear that mood swings after hysterectomy are a reality and that there are no simple all-inclusive cures. This is a form of early menopause for the younger females and may also be associated with a loss of femininity or child-bearing capacity. This clearly indicates that the decision to undertake the hysterectomy needs to be carefully considered and the risks carefully weighed up, as the decision literally impacts the rest of your life!