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 and muscle pain
- Mood swings or depression
- Low libido
- Sleep disturbances
- Vaginal dryness and 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
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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Introducing the Surgical Menopause Patient Booklet
We’re proud to finally share the first edition of our Surgical Menopause Patient Booklet: “Surgical Menopause: Making Informed Choices, Preparing for Surgery & Recovery – A Guide for Women Considering Ovary Removal & Navigating Life Afterward.” While we are excited to share this milestone, we offer it as…
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Pharmac: Fund AndroFeme – the only approved testosterone treatment for women in NZ
When both ovaries are removed during surgery, women instantly lose around 50% of their testosterone – a hormone that plays a key role in sexual function, energy, and overall wellbeing. AndroFeme, the only testosterone treatment specifically formulated and approved for women, remains unfunded in New Zealand. Many women…
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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 