Navigating through menopause is a significant part of a woman’s life, with each experience as unique as the individual. While many are familiar with natural menopause that typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, surgical menopause is a less commonly discussed but equally important topic. This blog aims to shed light on what surgical menopause is, the surgeries that lead to it, how it differs from natural menopause, and the vital questions you should ask your healthcare team if you’re facing surgery.
What is Surgical Menopause?
Surgical menopause occurs when surgery removes the ovaries, the organs responsible for producing estrogen and progesterone, the key players in your menstrual cycle. This can happen during procedures like:
- Bilateral Oophorectomy: The removal of both ovaries. This surgery immediately induces menopause, regardless of your age.
- Hysterectomy with Oophorectomy: Removal of the uterus along with one or both ovaries. If both ovaries are removed, menopause begins right away.
These surgeries are often recommended due to various health conditions such as ovarian cancer, endometriosis, severe pelvic inflammatory disease, or significant familial risk factors for ovarian or breast cancer. Each case is unique, and the decision to proceed with surgery is made based on individual health needs and risks.
Surgical Menopause vs. Natural Menopause: Key Differences
While both types of menopause lead to a decline in hormones, there are crucial differences:
- Speed: Natural menopause is a gradual process. Hormone levels dip slowly over several years, allowing your body to adjust. Surgical menopause, however, is sudden – like flipping a switch. This can lead to more intense symptoms.
- Severity: Studies suggest women experiencing surgical menopause may have more severe symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. This is because their bodies haven’t had time to prepare for the hormonal shift.
- Age: The average age for natural menopause often starts in your 40’s. Surgical menopause can occur at any age, potentially impacting younger women who may not be prepared for the physical and emotional changes.
The Importance of Informed Decisions
If you’re facing surgery that could trigger surgical menopause, it’s vital to have open communication with your doctor and other health care professionals. Here are some questions to ask your care team:
- Do I need to have my ovaries removed? Explore all options with your doctor. Depending on the reason for surgery, other approaches might be possible.
- What are the long-term health risks of removing my ovaries? What are the benefits of removing my ovaries? Discuss potential consequences like increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.
- How can I manage the symptoms of menopause after surgery?
- Will hormone replacement therapy (HRT) be an option for me? HRT can significantly improve symptoms and reduce long-term health risks. However, it’s not suitable for everyone, so discuss the pros and cons with your doctor.
- What support and resources are there available to help me make the right decision for me? With any type of gynaecological surgery, I’d always recommend seeking psychological support both before and after surgery. Working with an appropriately qualified and experienced women’s health coach can also be incredibly helpful during this time when it comes to preparing for and recovering from surgery and making lifestyle changes.
There is a huge amount of misinformation and different opinions – even among medical professionals – that often lead to women being given incorrect information or no information at all. Oncologists will often advise against HRT for women, however they offer them no alternative or support.
The NICE Guidelines and Support in the UK
The good news is, you’re not alone. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published guidelines in 2019 recognising the impact of menopause and emphasising the importance of individualised care. This includes providing information and support to women facing surgical menopause.
The British Menopause Society states that all women undergoing surgical menopause should have counselling and be provided with information about the hormonal consequences of surgery and the role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), both before surgery and before leaving hospital, with clear communication to the primary care team.
Additionally, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Menopause published a report in 2021 highlighting the need for better awareness and resources for women experiencing menopause, including those experiencing surgical menopause.
Remember, you have a voice, and your well-being matters. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and advocate for yourself.
Beyond the Surgery: Managing Surgical Menopause
Surgical menopause can be overwhelming, but there are ways to manage it effectively:
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT can significantly alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. Different types of HRT are available, so finding the right one for you is crucial. Younger women going through surgical menopause are likely to need higher doses of HRT – maybe even double that of an older woman, it might take time to find the right dose for you. Having cancer does not automatically disqualify you from HRT.
- Lifestyle Changes: Prioritising healthy consumption, great sleep, regular movement, rest and nurturing your soul can significantly improve your overall well-being. This is where a Women’s Health Coach can really help you.
- Stress Management: Techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help manage stress and improve sleep quality, impacting your overall experience.
- Support Network: Talking to friends, and family, or joining a support group can provide invaluable emotional support and a sense of community.
Final Thoughts
Surgical menopause can be a challenging experience, but with knowledge, open communication with your doctor and health care team, and a focus on self-care, you can navigate this transition and thrive. Remember, you’re not alone. There are resources and support available to help you through this journey.
A bit about me & my background
Claire is a Women’s Health Specialist at Restoring Balance; a Sports Scientist and a Women’s Health Coach who is also a multi-disciplined therapist specialising in person-centred care.
Claire’s work is very different to many therapists – working with you as a whole person using a unique combination of mind, nutrition and movement to overcome both physical and emotional blocks; not just where you feel pain or have dysfunction, allowing you to live life again. Claire can help you with:
- Balancing your hormones
- Peri-menopause and menopause coaching
- Preparing for surgery and immediate recovery
- Post-operative rehabilitation
- Post-operative scar care
- Calming your stress & anxiety
- Improving your digestive health
- Changing your mind-set
- Improving your emotional health
- Relieving pain
- Increasing mobility, balance, stability, co-ordination
I work both online and in person from my home-based clinic on Hayling Island, Hampshire.