Everything you need to know after surgery
Welcome to surgical menopause – how are you feeling?
We’re here to hold your hand through the next few days, weeks and months.
What to expect in the first days and weeks
The days after surgery can feel like a blur of sleep, painkillers and discomfort. Your body has been through a huge operation and you are now experiencing a sudden hormonal crash.
If you are feeling a bit all over the place, it’s totally normal. You’ll likely be feeling fragile, maybe a bit teary and likely utterly exhausted. This is the time to give into your body and what it is telling you. Rest, cry, sleep. You aren’t doing anything wrong – your body is simply trying to heal and rebalance after a major shock.
In these first few days, focus on the basics: rest, fluids, and gentle movement when you’re ready. Make sure you are following the discharge instructions given to you by the hospital, and taking medication in line with the prescription – especially pain relief. These days can be long at times, especially after the initial fatigue starts to lift.
Some women report a burst of energy in the first couple of weeks – and you might start to feel frustrated with the need to rest. If you feel like this, it can be tempting to get up and move around more. That’s actually your sign to do less – don’t rush back to “normal” or push yourself to recover faster than your body needs you to. Slow and steady healing now will pay off later, and your body (and mind) needs time to recover.
Keeping an eye on your physical recovery
Your body has been through a major operation and it’s working hard to heal, repair and adjust to the sudden loss of hormones. It’s completely normal to feel sore, swollen, and more tired than you expected – even simple things like showering or making a cup of tea can take it out of you at first. Try not to compare your progress with anyone else’s. Every recovery looks a little different, depending on your age, the type of surgery you’ve had, and your overall health going in.
Healing isn’t linear either. Some days you’ll feel stronger and others you’ll hit a wall – both are part of the process. Listen to your body, rest often, and remind yourself that slow progress is still progress. If you need to nap, do. (This is actually a mantra for surgical menopause at any time!)
Most people start to feel more themselves within six to twelve weeks, though it can take longer to fully regain your strength. Along the way, you might notice:
Pelvic or abdominal discomfort: Keep on top of your pain relief rather than waiting until it builds up. Using a small cushion to support your abdomen when coughing, laughing or getting up can help ease tenderness.
Bloating or trapped wind: Gentle walking, peppermint tea, and smaller meals can really help. Avoid carbonated drinks and large portions in the early days.
Vaginal bleeding or discharge: This should be light and short-lived. If it becomes heavy, smells unpleasant or continues for more than a few weeks, contact your surgical team for review.
Constipation: Common after anaesthetic and painkillers. Keep hydrated, eat fruit, vegetables and whole grains, and don’t be afraid to use a gentle laxative if needed.
Sleep disturbance: Partly from hormone changes, partly from discomfort or night sweats. Rest when you can, and don’t worry if your sleep pattern feels upside down for a while.
You’ll know you’re healing when you can move a little more freely each day, when your pain eases, and when rest feels restorative rather than essential. Avoid lifting, driving, or strenuous activity until your clinician says it’s safe – pushing too soon can set recovery back.
Bear in mind emotional and hormonal changes
The emotional side of surgical menopause can take you by surprise. Many women describe feeling fine for a few days, then suddenly “crashing” — crying out of nowhere, feeling panicky, or as if they’ve lost themselves. These feelings are common and they’re hormonal, not a reflection of your strength or coping ability. You do not have to wait them out, or manage these feelings in silence.
If you have been advised to start hormone replacement therapy (HRT), beginning it soon after surgery can help stabilise your mood and ease physical symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and insomnia. If a plan wasn’t made before discharge, it’s important to contact your GP or surgical team as soon as possible (like, today). Early HRT isn’t just about symptom relief – it also helps protect your bones, heart and brain and it can help balance your emotional needs, too.
There are many symptoms of surgical menopause, and each of us experience it slightly differently and to different degrees. Some of the most commonly reported symptoms you’ll experience in hormonal deficiency are:
‘Brain fog’, memory lapses or difficulty concentrating
Sudden fatigue or anxiety, irritabilitity and sadness
Fluctuations in temperature or hot flushes (cold flushes are common, too). You may experience night sweats, as well.
Vaginal or vulval dryness, or urinary irritation (which is common after catherterisation). Localised oestrogen can help restore comfort and is generally suitable for all women even if you cannot take systemic HRT.
These changes can feel unsettling, but they are temporary and treatable. With the right care, your body will begin to rebalance and you’ll start to feel better.
Practical tips for recovery
Plan for slowness. Your only job is to heal. Clear your calendar, cancel anything optional, and rest without guilt.
Accept help. Let friends or family cook, clean, or manage school runs — you’ll recover faster if you conserve your energy.
Keep moving gently. A few short walks a day can help circulation and prevent stiffness.
Stay hydrated and nourished. Eat simple, nourishing foods — protein, fruit, veg, and plenty of water.
Track your symptoms. Note how you’re feeling physically and emotionally to discuss at your follow-up.
Seek reassurance early. If something doesn’t feel right, reach out to your GP, surgical team, or NHS 111.
What to do next
When you feel up to it, arrange a follow-up appointment with your GP or surgeon to review your recovery, discuss your symptom management and suitable hormone replacement therapy.