Surgical Menopause
Menopause is not always natural
Sudden menopause from ovary removal can be overwhelming. You’re not alone – explore trusted information, connect with peer and find advocacy here.
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Understanding Surgical Menopause
Surgical menopause occurs suddenly when both ovaries are removed in a procedure called a bilateral oophorectomy. It can happen at any age, but the experience is often more intense for women under 45.
Without ovaries, the body loses its main source of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone overnight – resulting in a sudden drop in hormone levels. This can cause:
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Fatigue
- Joint & muscle pain
- Mood swings or depression
- Low libido
- Sleep disturbances
- Vaginal dryness & bladder issues
Because the change is abrupt, the symptoms are often more severe than in natural menopause and affect the quality of life. The loss of hormones also increases health risks, which can be managed through hormone replacement therapy (HRT), alternative treatments, and lifestyle strategies to support ongoing wellbeing.
Latest News & Updates
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
February is almost over, but there is still time to raise awareness of ovarian cancer, the deadliest gynaecological cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand. There is currently no screening test for ovarian cancer, and symptoms are often vague, meaning many people are diagnosed too late. Ovarian cancer can lead…
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Sometimes life slows us down, but the movement keeps growing
Our small team has faced some challenges within the last months, so the project hasn’t been as active as we’d hoped. While other initiatives internationally are gaining visibility and raising awareness, it reminds us how important it is to keep providing a resource designed specifically for New Zealand…
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Help Keep Aotearoa’s Surgical Menopause Resource Hub Growing This #GivingTuesday
Today is #GivingTuesday, a global day of generosity. If our work has helped you – or you believe Aotearoa deserves clear, practical information on surgical menopause – today is a powerful moment to support it. We’re a small, volunteer-led charity building NZ’s first practical resource hub for surgical…
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Quick Access: Popular Topics
New to surgical menopause? These are the topics most women want to understand first.
Causes Symptoms Long-Term Health Emotional Impact Financial Impact FAQs Guidelines Online Resources Healthcare Directory Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Alternatives to HRT Surgery 101 Pre-Surgery Toolkit Post-Surgery Toolkit Informed Consent Menopause 101
Find Community Support
Surgical menopause can feel isolating, but our peer support group offers a safe, supportive community for New Zealand women who have experienced or are preparing for surgical menopause.
Surgical Menopause New Zealand Trust 