Some women have their ovaries removed (bilateral oophorectomy) prior to menopause for medical reasons. This surgery causes a sudden change in estrogen level, rather than the gradual changes of natural menopause. Thus, women undergoing surgically induced menopause usually experience more abrupt and often more severe hot flash symptoms.
If the ovaries are surgically removed, a woman does not have a natural source of estrogen, and she enters surgical menopause. Menopause can also happen naturally, when a woman’s periods end and she’s no longer able to have children.
Menopause is the cessation of normal menses for one year. It occurs normally when the hormones of the ovary stop sending signals to the part of the brain, the pituitary gland to stop the normal cycle to cause a monthly menses.
Surgical menopause occurs when the ovaries are removed from the body. The ovaries produce Estrogen and Progesterone among other hormones needed for the menstrual cycle. When they are removed no hormones from the ovaries are able to send signals to the brain and uterus. Menstruation ceases and postmenopausal effects are felt in the entire body. Since women are unique the response to menopause varies among cultures, environment, body habitus, self-perception and nutritional intake, to name a few variables.
The removal of your ovaries (oophorectomy) or injury to your ovaries from other surgeries can cause what is known as surgical menopause. Some women's ovaries are removed because they are damaged or are cancerous. In addition, many women's healthy ovaries are removed in conjunction with removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) or to prevent the recurrence of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Ovaries may also be removed during a surgery to treat colon, rectal, and cervical cancer.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.