Surgical-induced menopause: what you need to know

Does it ever end? That's a common question many women have when faced with surgical-induced menopause. This significant transition, often prompted by a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries), can bring about abrupt changes to a woman's hormonal balance and overall wellbeing.

Approximately 600,000 hysterectomies are performed annually in the United States, and more than 250,000 bilateral oophorectomies are done every year - many of which lead to surgical menopause. Expert nutritionist, Ariel Kaur Maan, delves into what surgical-induced menopause entails and how to manage its effects.

What is surgical-induced menopause?

Surgical-induced menopause, also known as medically induced menopause, occurs when a woman's ovaries are surgically removed or when their function is intentionally halted. While it typically occurs in women aged 40 to 50, it can happen at any age due to medical reasons including cancer treatment or severe endometriosis. This is different from natural menopause, which happens gradually as a woman ages and her ovaries naturally stop producing reproductive hormones.

Benefits of surgical-induced menopause

Surgical menopause may reduce the risk of certain cancers, including ovarian cancer, since the ovaries, which can be a site for cancer development, are removed.

Risks of surgical-induced menopause

Surgical-induced menopause is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, bone loss leading to osteoporosis and emotional challenges due to hormonal fluctuations. Learn more about the estrobolome and the menopause.

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Is induced menopause the same as surgical menopause?

Yes, surgical-induced menopause and surgical menopause refer to the same process: the sudden onset of menopause due to surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) or a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), often combined with removal of the ovaries. A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, while an oophorectomy involves removing one or both ovaries. When both ovaries are removed, it induces immediate menopause, regardless of the woman's age.

Induced menopause may also occur with chemotherapy or radiation damage to the ovaries without the surgical removal of them.

Effects of surgical-induced menopause on the body

After surgical menopause, women may experience intense symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, weight gain and a heightened risk of osteoporosis due to decreased oestrogen levels. Discover the common and unusual symptoms of menopause.

Is surgical menopause more severe than natural menopause?

Symptoms of surgical-induced menopause can be more intense and abrupt compared to those of natural menopause, as the body does not have time to adjust gradually to declining hormone levels.

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Managing symptoms

The management of symptoms after surgical menopause involves a variety of approaches. Some women choose to use hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which can help alleviate symptoms by replacing the hormones that the body no longer produces. Lifestyle changes including regular exercise, a healthy diet, menopause supplements and stress reduction techniques, can also be beneficial.

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Ongoing management

Managing symptoms after surgical-induced menopause can be an ongoing process. Regular follow-ups with your doctor are crucial to monitoring bone density, cardiovascular health and overall wellbeing.