Effects of Surgical Menopause

Surgical menopause refers to the onset of menopause due to a hysterectomy. When the ovaries are removed, the production of their hormones, estrogen and progesterone, is halted, causing physical and psychological effects.

Psychological

• Psychological Effects

  Possible negative psychological effects from surgical menopause are depression, anxiety and mood swings. For some women, no longer having a monthly period and the end of menstrual cramping can be seen as positive effects.

Physical Effects

• Fatigue

  Fatigue, headaches, insomnia, irritability, joint pain, hot flashes and urinary problems are some of the physical effects that are common from surgical menopause. This procedure will put an end to the heavy bleeding and fatigue caused from endometriosis.

Appearance

• Loss of Hair

  Some women experience weight gain and hair loss following a hysterectomy. Facial hair growth and dry skin are also common.

Memory Loss

• Cannot Remember

  Problems with memory loss have also been reported as a side effect of surgical menopause. According to a 2008 article from the Hysterectomy Association, one of the effects of both natural and surgical menopause can be memory loss.

Low Sex Drive

• Low Sex Drive

  Women have reported a low sex drive and vaginal dryness from menopause caused by a hysterectomy.

Future Risks

• Future Osteoporosis and Arthritis

  Surgical menopause puts you at risk for developing heart disease, arthritis, and osteoporosis. If the ovaries are removed, the lack of hormones that they produce puts women at risk for several types of cancer, including endometrial cancer.