Surgical menopause
- 03 Dec 2023
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Surgical menopause
- Updated on 03 Dec 2023
- 1 Minute to read
- Print
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- A surgical menopause occurs after the removal of both ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy) before a woman goes through natural menopause.
- A bilateral oophorectomy might be performed due to either benign or malignant pathology. Alternatively, it may be undertaken in women at increased risk of ovarian cancer.
- Menopausal symptoms can be particularly severe due to the sudden loss of ovarian function.
- All women should receive appropriate counselling before undergoing a surgical menopause.
- This should include a discussion about loss of fertility, menopausal symptoms, HRT and health consequences associated with low oestrogen (particularly in younger women).
- NICE recommends offering a referral to a healthcare professional with expertise in menopause.
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