Menopause typically starts within a few months after a hysterectomy that removes the ovaries. The timing depends on the reason for the surgery and how much ovarian tissue remains.
- For a hysterectomy that removes both ovaries, menopause begins immediately. This sudden drop in hormones often causes more severe menopausal symptoms compared to natural menopause.
- If only one ovary is removed, menopause may start within 1-2 years as the remaining ovary ages and runs out of viable eggs. Blood tests can measure hormone levels to confirm when menopause begins.
- For a hysterectomy that preserves both ovaries, menopause usually occurs around the typical age, early 50s. But the surgery can sometimes damage blood flow to the ovaries, causing earlier ovarian failure.
There are several types of hysterectomy:
- Total hysterectomy - removes the uterus and cervix.
- Radical hysterectomy - removes uterus, cervix, tissue on the sides of the cervix, and upper part of vagina. Often done for cancer treatment.
- Ovaries may or may not be removed with above two procedures.
Reasons for getting a hysterectomy include:
- Fibroids - non-cancerous tumors in uterus
- Endometriosis - uterine tissue growing outside uterus
- Uterine prolapse - uterus drops from normal position
- Cancer - uterine, ovarian, cervical, endometrial
- Abnormal bleeding - heavy, irregular, prolonged periods
The timing of menopause depends most on a woman's
age at surgery and whether ovaries were removed.
Younger women
- Under 45 years old at surgery - Higher risk of early menopause and symptoms even if ovaries remain
- Under 35 years old - Over 50% risk of early menopause within 5 years
Older women
- Closer to natural menopause age - Lower risk of early menopause from hysterectomy
- Over 45 years old - Remaining ovaries often function normally until natural menopause age
Symptoms of surgical menopause are usually more
severe than natural menopause and can significantly disrupt quality of life. They include:
Hormone therapy helps manage surgical menopause symptoms and health risks. Treatment options:
- Estrogen therapy - Improves hot flashes, vaginal symptoms, bone loss
- Combined hormone therapy - Estrogen plus progestin, protects uterus if still present
- Bioidentical hormones - Plant-derived hormones identical to human hormones
Work closely with your doctor to find the optimal hormone therapy type, dose, and duration to meet your health needs. Be aware that hormone therapy risks and benefits vary for each woman.
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