Symptom control
  • 29 Nov 2023
  • 1 Minute to read
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Symptom control

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Article summary

  • Symptoms of surgical menopause can be more severe than natural menopause due to the abrupt cessation of ovarian hormones.
  • Loss of libido can be more prominent than in natural menopause.
  • The BMS says: bilateral oophorectomy results in immediate menopause, which may be intensely symptomatic, and the implications of this require detailed discussion with the woman.

  • Hormone replacement is usually started immediately after surgery in women aged 40 years or less (unless there are contraindications).
  • For those where surgical menopause is undertaken at a time close to natural menopause, the decision to start HRT should be individualised.
  • Testosterone supplementation should be considered where symptoms of a reduced libido persist despite oestrogen replacement.
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