Induced Menopause

When menopause is "induced" it means that it has not occurred gradually and naturally but is the result of outside influences. Induced menopause is caused by surgical removal of both ovaries or the cessation of ovarian function following chemotherapy or radiation.

Bilateral Oophorectomy

• Surgical menopause occurs when both ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy) are removed along with removal of the uterus. If a woman has a hysterectomy, but her ovaries remain intact, her menses will stop but this does not necessarily throw her into induced menopause. The Mayo Clinic explains that the removal of both ovaries in conjunction with a hysterectomy, when done before natural menopause, has a dramatic effect on a woman's body because it immediately triggers all of the changes that normally occur gradually, leading up to menopause.

Other Surgical Procedures

• If an abdominoperineal resection is performed, this involves removing the lower colom and rectum and may also require sectioning of the uterus, ovaries and rear wall of the vagina. This can result in induced menopause. According to Cancer.gov, an abdominoperineal resection is done when there is rectal cancer. An opening is created in the surface of the abdomen. The opening is referred to as a colostomy. Body waste is collected in a disposable bag that is located outside of the body.
  Another surgical procedure that will result in menopause is a total pelvic exenteration that involves re-sectioning of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, urethra, ovaries, vagina, rectum and urinary bladder, according to Health on the Net Foundation. This procedure is done to remove cancer that involves these particular organs.

Chemotherapy

• If a woman undergoes chemotherapy for cancer, this can cause serious damage to the ovaries. Post-chemotherapy, a woman can experience months or years of dysfunctioning ovaries. Ovarian function sometimes resumes, depending on the woman's age and the type of drug that was used. If an alkylating drug was utilized during chemotherapy, permanent cessation of periods, or amenorrhea, is apt to occur. Menopause is also likely to be the outcome if the woman is naturally close to menopause or if chemotherapy drugs are used in combination.

Radiation

• Radiation of the pelvis often causes ovarian failure if high doses are used, which is the case when a woman is being treated for cervical cancer. If a woman is being treated for Hodgkin's disease, a lower dose of radiation is used and her ovaries may recover.

Sometimes Amenorrhea is Temporary

• Induced menopause isn't always the result after undergoing chemotherapy. A woman's menstrual periods may resume in time. The stress of having chemotherapy can produce temporary amenorrhea.

Possible Brain-Related Problems

• When the ovaries are removed, a woman's main source of estrogen production is gone. The Mayo Clinic explains that estrogen protects your bones and your heart's health and perhaps even your brain. Estrogen is believed to delay or prevent cognitive impairment and dementia, which are age-related brain problems. Surgical menopause may increase a woman's risk of cognitive function deficits or dementia, although there is no conclusive evidence of this presently. Undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after surgical menopause, until reaching the "natural" age of menopause, may reduce the risk of cognitive deficits occurring, although there are risk associated with hormone therapy.