Scientists say compared to natural menopause, hysterectomy can cause more problems in daily activities like climbing stairs for women.

According to the article published in the Obstetrics & Gynecology journal, women who had a hysterectomy had more physical limitations than those who went through natural menopause.

Findings show women who had natural menopause and were on hormone replacement performed nearly as well as pre-menopausal women on the physical tests, while individuals who did not have hormone replacement therapy performed rather poorly.

The study also raises the possibility that women who have a hysterectomy will be more vulnerable to disabilities as they age.

While the reason hysterectomy is linked to a greater risk of physical limitation is not clear, researchers believe surgery and the hormonal changes which follow it play a role to some extent.

PKH/HGH