HELP WITH SURGICAL MENOPAUSE
What is Surgical Menopause
What it is, how it can feel, and how we can support you
Surgical menopause refers to menopause that occurs suddenly following surgery to remove both ovaries, known as bilateral oophorectomy. This leads to an abrupt loss of ovarian hormones, including oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Unlike natural menopause, which develops gradually over time, surgical menopause happens immediately following surgery.. This sudden hormonal change can have a significant impact on physical health, emotional wellbeing, cognition, and quality of life.
At Manchester Menopause Hive, we recognise that surgical menopause is not just a hormonal diagnosis. It can follow years of symptoms for some, or an unexpected diagnosis for others, along with complex decision-making, and major surgery, and can bring physical, psychological, and emotional challenges that deserve specialist, compassionate care.
What causes surgical menopause?
Surgical menopause occurs when both ovaries are removed during surgery. This may happen for several reasons, including:
- Treatment for gynaecological cancers
- Severe or treatment-resistant endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts or other ovarian pathology
- Risk-reducing surgery in people with BRCA or other genetic variants
- As part of hysterectomy when ovaries are also removed
- Surgical treatment for severe, treatment-resistant premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
If the womb is removed but the ovaries are left in place, this is not classed as surgical menopause, although ovarian function may decline and result in menopause earlier than expected.
Symptoms of surgical menopause
Because hormone levels fall abruptly, symptoms often appear quickly and can feel more severe than those experienced in natural menopause. Symptoms vary widely and may include:
Physical symptoms
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Sleep disturbance and persistent fatigue
- Joint and muscle aches
- Vaginal dryness, discomfort, or pain during sex
- Urinary symptoms such as urgency or recurrent infections
- Changes in skin, hair, or libido
Cognitive and emotional symptoms
- Low mood or depression
- Anxiety or panic symptoms
- Brain fog, memory, and concentration difficulties
- Emotional flatness or loss of joy
- Irritability or emotional volatility
For many people, the emotional impact of surgical menopause can be profound, particularly if surgery occurred at a young age.
Surgical menopause at a younger age
People who experience surgical menopause before the age of 45, and especially before 40, are at increased long-term risk of:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Osteoporosis and fractures
- Cognitive decline
- Reduced quality of life
For this reason, hormone replacement therapy is usually strongly recommended in younger women following surgical menopause, unless there is a medical reason not to prescribe it. In this context, HRT is not just about symptom relief, but about protecting long-term health.
Hormone replacement therapy after surgical menopause
HRT is often a key part of treatment following surgical menopause and can be life-changing when prescribed and reviewed appropriately.
Depending on your surgery, symptoms, and medical history, this may include:
- Oestrogen replacement
- Progesterone
- Testosterone, where appropriate, to support energy, libido, mood, and cognitive function
- Vaginal hormones where needed
At Manchester Menopause Hive, we take time to explain:
- Which hormones you may need and why
- The safest and most effective routes and doses
- How hormones might impact underlying conditions that prompted your surgery e.g. endometriosis or cancer.
- How treatment may need adjusting over time
- How factors such as stress, sleep, workload, and recovery from surgery interact with hormones
Beyond hormones: the wider impact of surgical menopause
Surgical menopause can affect many areas of life, including work, relationships, confidence, and sense of identity. Many people describe feeling as though their body has changed overnight.
This means that as well as hormones, it’s also important to consider:
- Recovery from surgery and ongoing pain or fatigue
- Mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Nervous system stress and prolonged fight or flight states
- Sexual wellbeing and intimacy
- Fertility loss or grief, where relevant
- Work pressures and expectations during recovery
This whole-person approach is central to how we work.
How we can help
Our consultations with menopause specialists experienced in managing surgical menopause give you time to talk and get the help you need. We take time to understand your medical history, your symptoms, and what matters most to you.
Support may include:
- Detailed assessment and diagnosis
- Individualised HRT prescribing and review
- Testosterone assessment and monitoring where appropriate
- Advice on vaginal, urinary, bone, and cardiovascular health
- Support with mood, cognition, and confidence
- A holistic plan that integrates medical treatment with wider wellbeing support
Our aim is to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in your care.
When to seek specialist support
If you have had your ovaries removed and are experiencing symptoms, or if you feel your current treatment is not helping you feel like yourself again, specialist input can make a significant difference.
SURGICAL MENOPAUSE SUPPORT
Book an appointment with one of our Menopause experts
Appointments are available online and in person.
