What is Surgical Menopause
- The Menopause Mentor
- Dec 3, 2025
- 3 min read
WHAT IS SURGICAL MENOPAUSE?
A Supportive Guide for Women Facing Sudden Hormonal Change ✨**
Surgical menopause happens when the ovaries are removed — either on their own or during a hysterectomy.
Because the ovaries produce around 90% of a woman’s oestrogen before menopause (British Menopause Society, 2022), removing them causes an instant and dramatic drop in hormones, leading to a very different experience compared to natural menopause.
💛 Types of surgery that can trigger menopause
In the UK, the most common procedures include:
• Total hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy
(removal of uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and both ovaries)
• Hysterectomy leaving the ovaries intact
(does not cause menopause unless ovaries fail later)
• Bilateral oophorectomy alone
(ovary removal for conditions like endometriosis, ovarian cysts or risk-reducing cancer surgery)
Around 1 in 20 women in the UK will go through an early or induced menopause before age 45 (NHS, 2023), many due to surgical procedures.
💥 Why symptoms hit suddenly
Natural menopause is a slow hormonal taper over years.
Surgical menopause is like someone hitting the hormone emergency stop button.
This sudden withdrawal of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone can trigger rapid-onset and often intense symptoms within days to weeks.
🔥 Common symptoms (and why they feel so strong)
According to NICE and Women’s Health Concern (2023):
• Hot flushes & night sweats
Affecting up to 80% of women after surgery; some experience them hourly or continuously.
• Sleep disruptions
Caused by both hormonal imbalance and night sweats.
• Low mood, anxiety & emotional swings
With surgical menopause, the risk of low mood increases due to the sudden drop in oestrogen, which regulates serotonin and dopamine.
• Vaginal dryness & discomfort
Experienced by up to 70% of post-menopausal women (BMS).
• Reduced libido
Linked to low testosterone and reduced blood flow to pelvic tissues.
• Bladder issues & recurrent UTIs
Around 50% of women experience genitourinary symptoms after ovary removal (NHS).
• Changes to skin, hair & nails
As collagen drops by up to 30% in the first five years after menopause (British Skin Foundation).
And remember — not every woman experiences every symptom, but many feel the intensity more sharply after surgery.
💊 What about HRT?
Most women are advised to start HRT immediately after surgical menopause (unless medically unsuitable), because:
• It helps protect bone density
• Reduces cardiovascular disease risk
• Supports brain health
• Improves symptoms and quality of life
However, some women cannot take HRT due to specific medical conditions such as certain cancers, clotting disorders or contraindications.
🥗 Nutrition & lifestyle support really do matter
Alongside — or instead of — HRT, a holistic approach makes a huge difference.
Evidence-based UK recommendations include:
• Protein: 1–1.2 g per kg bodyweight daily to support muscle and recovery
• Calcium & Vitamin D: Crucial after ovary removal to protect bones
• Fibre: For gut health, blood sugar balance and hormone metabolism
• Reduced alcohol & processed foods: To support liver function, sleep and hot flush management
• Gentle to moderate exercise once your surgeon gives the all-clear:
• Strength training for bone density
• Pelvic floor strengthening
• Walking, Pilates, mobility, and breathwork
💚 You don’t have to navigate this alone
Surgical menopause is not “just a hysterectomy” —
it’s a whole-body hormonal shift that impacts physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure how to regain control of your body, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
📞 Book your Free Consultation Call today
Let’s talk about your symptoms, your goals, and the support you deserve — with no pressure and no judgment.
Comments