Does Removal of Fallopian Tubes Cause Menopause?

The fallopian tubes are part of the duct work connecting the different parts of the female reproductive system. They allow an ovulated oocyte, or egg, to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Only about 4 inches in length, the fallopian tubes are the primary location for fertilization. While small, they may need to be removed due to an abscess, cyst, infection, tubal pregnancy or tumor. The surgical removal of the fallopian tubes is referred to as a salpingectomy.

Outcome

• Menopause, in the strictest sense, is the cessation of a menstrual period. Because the fallopian tubes are only part of the duct work for the female reproductive system, the removal of one or both fallopian tubes will not cause menopause. Once the fallopian tubes are removed, you will still continue to have a menstrual period on your regular cycle. Even though you are still menstruating, you will be unable to produce children naturally because your periods will be anovular, or without an egg. This is because once the tubes are removed, the ovulated oocyte has no path to follow to make it to the uterus and the egg will degenerate outside of the uterus. Any future attempts at conceiving will need the assistance of in vitro fertilization.

  Your salpingectomy may be coupled with the surgical removal of your ovaries or may be part of a larger procedure that includes the surgical removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. If your procedure includes the removal of your ovaries, it is the removal of the ovaries that will actually cause menopause. You will no longer ovulate or continue to have a menstrual period. Furthermore, the ovaries are the producers of estrogen and progesterone in the body. When they are removed, your body will also undergo the hair loss, hot flashes, irritability, vaginal drying and other symptoms generally associated with menopause.