Impact of Surgical Menopause: Consequences, Hazards, and Prognosis
Surgical menopause, a condition that occurs following the removal of both ovaries through a procedure known as bilateral oophorectomy, can lead to immediate and long-term changes in a woman's health.
The abrupt halt in estrogen production after oophorectomy triggers several common short-term effects. These include hot flashes and night sweats, vaginal dryness and painful intercourse, decreased libido, memory lapses, depression, and anxiety.
Long-term complications can be significant and may impact overall health. Osteoporosis, a condition characterised by bone loss, becomes more likely due to the decreased estrogen levels. There is also an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Bilateral oophorectomy results in infertility, although options like egg donation and IVF may be considered for future pregnancies.
Removing ovaries before age 50 without hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may increase the risk of premature death. The impact of estrogen therapy on breast cancer risk varies based on factors like age and duration of therapy.
HRT can mitigate some symptoms and risks, but its safety and effectiveness, especially regarding breast cancer risk, require careful consideration. People who still wish to have children after treatment may consider preserving some eggs, such as by freezing them, to increase their chance of having a healthy pregnancy later in life.
Certain medical treatments, like chemotherapy for breast cancer, can cause temporary or permanent menopause-like effects. In such cases, hormone therapy may be prescribed by a doctor after surgery to reduce the impact of menopause.
It's important to note that menopause can trigger or increase the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease, regardless of the age at which menopause starts. Seeking help from a doctor, counselor, or other healthcare provider can offer support and treatment if a person has any physical or mental health concerns related to menopause.
For those with a family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or both, testing may be conducted to see if they have a genetic feature that increases their risk of cancer. Ovarian surgery can significantly reduce the risk of developing ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer later in life.
Surgery can be performed for various reasons such as treating endometriosis, benign or cancerous tumors, ovarian torsion, or preventing ovarian cancer in high-risk individuals. A varied diet and regular exercise may help reduce the risk of some complications associated with menopause.
A hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, and menopause can occur after the removal of one or both ovaries through this surgical procedure. Menstruation may resume within a year of finishing treatment, but this is not guaranteed for everyone. The effects of medical menopause may start within weeks or months of the treatment and may cause earlier menopause than would have occurred naturally.
- Menopause, triggered by a sudden halt in estrogen production, can lead to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and memory lapses in women.
- After the removal of both ovaries, a woman is at an increased risk of long-term health issues such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and infertility.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can alleviate some symptoms and risks associated with surgical menopause, but its use should be carefully considered for breast cancer risk factors.
- Menopause can increase the risk of chronic diseases like osteoporosis and heart disease, making it crucial to seek medical advice for any related health concerns.
- Genetic testing may be recommended for those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer to assess their risk of developing these cancers.
- Some medical treatments can cause menopause-like effects, for which hormone therapy may be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms.
- Mental health, including depression and anxiety, can also be affected by menopause, necessitating support from a doctor, counselor, or healthcare provider.
- For women undergoing surgeries like hysterectomy, menopause may occur if both ovaries are removed, and menstruation may not resume for everyone after treatment.
