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We examined relationships between combinations of protective factors (healthy weight, never smoking, and at least moderate levels of physical activity) and moderate or substantial limitations of physical function (PF) versus minimal PF limitations in women who had had a hysterectomy only (n = 1771) or a hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy (BO) (n = 738) participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. We found a dose-response effect that was strongest for substantial PF limitations; for each additional healthy behaviour, for women who had undergone hysterectomy only the relative risk (RR) was 0.62 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56-0.69) and for women who had undergone hysterectomy-BO the RR was 0.70 (95% CI 0.60-0.82). Support to adopt these modifiable factors may improve physical function in women who have had a hysterectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]