Cycle Tracking After Hysterectomy
I wanted to share something personal that has really helped me post-hysterectomy.
After my surgery, I kept my ovaries, which means I still experience my cycle. Tracking it has become an essential part of how I care for myself, and here’s why:
Why I Track My Cycle:
Recognizing Changes: Post-surgery, I’ve noticed new symptoms that I might have missed if I weren’t tracking my cycle. Keeping an eye on things allows me to detect changes early and adjust as needed as I head toward perimenopause.
Peace of Mind: Ever step on the scale and see a sudden 5-pound increase for no apparent reason? That still happens to me, but tracking my cycle helps me know when these fluctuations are related to hormonal changes, so I don’t stress about it.
Advocating for Myself: If I decide to explore hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the future, having a clear record of my cycle helps me communicate with my healthcare providers. While I’m not using HRT right now, tracking gives me valuable insight if I choose to go down that path.
Lifestyle Impact: I’ve learned that my symptoms worsen when I indulge in higher-sugar foods. Tracking helps me stay aware of how my lifestyle affects my body, allowing me to make more informed choices.
Ways to Track: There are so many great options out there, including:
Aavia
Oura Ring
Whoop
Or, if you prefer something simpler, a good ol' fashioned spreadsheet or just notes in your phone can do the trick!
I’d love to hear from you—do you track your cycle after a hysterectomy? How has it helped you?