What is surgical menopause?

The removal of a woman's ovaries (known as an oophorectomy) immediately sends a woman into surgical menopause.

The onset of surgical menopause is often very sudden and abrupt compared to natural menopause. It is important to note that a woman in premature surgical menopause will not go through a natural menopause when she reaches the normal age of a natural menopause - surgical menopause is a permanent state and for many women symptoms will be lifelong, although not necessarily at the same intensity.

What is the difference between surgical and natural menopause?

Natural menopause occurs over a period of several years. A woman’s egg stores begin to naturally decline, her menstrual cycle will eventually stop and the hormones oestrogen and progesterone fluctuate which can cause the gradual onset of menopause symptoms.
Ovaries are very important for producing the hormones oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Women in surgical menopause experience a very sudden drop in levels of these hormones and can therefore experience severe and debilitating symptoms which need long term management.

  • Medical menopause is an induced menopause, usually in the form of an injection to stop the ovaries working. This type of medically induced menopause is often used in the treatment and prevention of oestrogen receptor positive cancers or to lessen the symptoms in conditions such as endometriosis or PMDD.

  • Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) happens when a woman's ovaries stop working before she is 40. POI is different from premature menopause.

    About one in a hundred women under 40 have POI. For most women the underlying cause of POI is not known.

  • Menopause in women under 40 years of age is usually referred to as premature menopause.

    It is important to note that cancer treatments, radiotherapy and chemotherapy can impact how the ovaries work.

  • Early menopause is when your periods stop before the age of 45.

    It can happen naturally or be caused by treatment for other conditions.

  • The perimenopause is a natural stage of life. In most people it will happen naturally between the ages of 45 and 55 and last for a few months to several years. It can even last a decade or more.

    During the perimenopause, your hormone levels change and your ovaries start to produce fewer eggs. Once you haven’t had a period for 12 months or more, you’ve officially reached the menopause.

    If you think you’re experiencing the perimenopause before you’re 40 then we advise that you speak to your doctor.

Symptoms and causes

Menopause is usually a process of gradual change; however, following surgery, medication or serious illness, it can be sudden and acute.

Women who enter premature menopause due to surgery (oophorectomy) tend to experience a severe and wide range of symptoms.  

Women undergoing treatments for conditions such as endometriosis, infertility and PMDD may experience menopausal symptoms whilst receiving treatment.

Surgical and medical treatment such as part of an individual’s gender transition can result in menopausal symptoms.

Reach out

If you are struggling with symptoms of surgical menopause there are thankfully steps you can take to help you live a healthy and happy life. Please explore our website and do not hesitate to get in touch if you’re struggling.

Symptoms include:

Hot Flushes
Night Sweats
Mood Swings
Irritability
Brain Fog
Loss of confidence
Anxiety
Low mood
Depression
Fatigue
Insomnia
Poor memory
Poor concentration
Vaginal symptoms
Urinary symptoms
Dry/itchy Skin
Painful/aching joints
Increased allergies
Digestive issues
Thinning hair
Palpitations
Panic Attacks
Changes in body odour