Let’s talk about surgical menopause.
It’s NOT the same as natural menopause—and here’s why.
When menopause happens naturally, your hormones decline slowly over time. It’s a gradual process, and while the symptoms can still be disruptive, your body has time to adjust to the shift.
But surgical menopause?
That’s like jumping off a hormonal cliff.
What Is Surgical Menopause?
Surgical menopause occurs when both ovaries are removed—whether due to endometriosis, fibroids, cancer prevention, or other medical reasons. When this happens, your body goes into instant menopause, no matter your age.
That sudden and dramatic loss of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can cause symptoms to hit basically overnight:
- Severe hot flashes
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Brain fog
- Vaginal dryness
- Anxiety and depression
And it’s not just about short-term symptoms. Women who go through surgical menopause—especially before age 45—face a much higher risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline if hormone therapy isn’t started right away.
Why Hormone Therapy Matters After Surgical Menopause
Yes—hormone therapy (HRT) is usually strongly recommended after surgical menopause, unless there’s a clear medical reason not to use it (such as certain cancers).
But here’s the problem: that’s not what’s happening in practice.
The reality:
- A 2018 study found that only 48% of women under age 45 who had both ovaries removed were prescribed hormone therapy—even though guidelines recommend it.
- Nearly 60% of gynecologists admitted hesitancy to prescribe HRT after ovary removal, citing outdated fears about breast cancer or cardiovascular risk—even in low-risk patients.
- The WHI Early Surgical Menopause subgroup found that women under 50 who did not take estrogen after ovary removal had significantly higher risks of death, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Those who did take estrogen had outcomes similar to women with intact ovaries.
In other words: hormone therapy after surgical menopause isn’t optional—it’s lifesaving care.
The Gender Bias No One Talks About
Here’s where my rant comes in.
A woman has her ovaries removed and is thrown into instant menopause. Hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, brain fog, anxiety, bone loss, higher risk of heart disease and dementia. And what happens next?
Too often—nothing. She’s discharged without HRT. Without a plan. Sometimes without even a warning about what’s coming.
Now imagine this:
A man in his 40s has both testicles removed. Would he be sent home without testosterone? Would his long-term health risks be ignored?
Of course not. He’d leave the hospital with a prescription and a plan.
But women? We’re told to suck it up. Be grateful. Move on.
This isn’t just a gap in care.
This is gender bias in medicine.
The Takeaway
Surgical menopause is not “just early menopause.” It’s a sudden, intense hormonal crisis that requires specialized support—often including hormone therapy.
If you or someone you love had their ovaries removed, please know:
- You are not alone.
- You do not have to “tough it out.”
- Relief and protection are possible—and early treatment matters.
If you weren’t offered HRT, or if your doctor never discussed the risks of going without it, you deserve better care.
I’d love to hear from you: Were you offered hormone therapy after surgical menopause? What was your experience? Share in the comments below—because the more we talk about this, the harder it becomes for the system to ignore us.
Key takeaway for women everywhere:
If men lost their hormones overnight, they’d be treated before they left the hospital. Women deserve the same.
Hormone therapy after surgical menopause isn’t just about symptom relief—it’s about protecting your brain, bones, heart, and quality of life.
It’s time to fix the gap.
References
Faubion, S. S., Kuhle, C. L., Shuster, L. T., & Rocca, W. A. (2018). Long-term health consequences of premature or early menopause and considerations for management. Menopause, 25(11), 1230–1239.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings. (2015). Hormone therapy after oophorectomy: Misconceptions and current evidence. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 90(10), 1380–1389.
Parker, W. H., Broder, M. S., Chang, E., Feskanich, D., Farquhar, C., Liu, Z., Shoupe, D., Berek, J. S., Manson, J. E., & Hankinson, S. E. (2009). Ovarian conservation at the time of hysterectomy and long-term health outcomes in the Nurses’ Health Study. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 113(5), 1027–1035.