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POST MENOPAUSE SURGICAL MENOPAUSE

The post menopause follows on from the menopause. Oestrogen and Surgical menopause is when the ovaries are removed prior to a natural
progesterone levels are still low but the body has learned to cope with these menopause (known as an oophorectomy). This causes a sudden and permanent

lower levels and most of the symptoms disappear. Although a significant number drop of the ovarian hormones, oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
of women still experience ongoing symptoms and may require continual hormone
supplementation. There is still an ongoing concern about osteoporosis so weight The surgical procedure may include the removal of the uterus - when both are

bearing exercises and good dietary habits need to be maintained. Vaginal dryness removed, this is termed a total hysterectomy.
and low libido are symptoms that often require ongoing attention.
An oophorectomy or total hysterectomy will lead to an instant menopause and
Menopause affects each woman differently and every woman may be often the symptoms are intense unless treatment is initiated immediately.
experiencing different symptoms at different stages of menopause. We are all

unique and while the symptoms of menopause may be similar to that of other
women, everyone will travel their own journey.

Other considerations that may affect the severity of your symptoms include
lifestyle factors such as diet, nutrition, exercise, other prescription medications,
other health concerns, stress levels and relationship issues. We are more than just our hormones hence this is why an integrated
and individualised approach to managing your symptoms can offer

EARLY MENOPAUSE the best possible outcomes.

Menopause before the age of 40 is called an early or premature menopause. It
may occur naturally when the ovaries have stopped working, surgically when a

woman has her ovaries removed or chemically from chemotherapy/radiotherapy.

Smokers tend to have an earlier menopause by about 2 years on average because
smoking can diminish the secretion of oestrogen in the ovaries.

A hysterectomy, even without the removal of the ovaries can lead to the earlier
onset of menopause by about five years. It is believed this happens due to the
change in blood supply to the ovaries after surgery. A tubal ligation may also

bring on an earlier menopause for some women.

The Australian Menopause Centre 14 The Australian Menopause Centre 15