Surgical Menopause New Zealand Trust

February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on this often-overlooked disease. Ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect early, and for many, treatment leads to surgical menopause—a life-changing reality that isn’t widely talked about.

Whether you’ve been through surgical menopause yourself, know someone at risk, or simply want to spread awareness, now is the time to start to speak up.

Know the Symptoms: Early Detection Saves Lives

Ovarian cancer is often called the “silent killer” because its symptoms can be vague or mistaken for other conditions. But persistent symptoms matter. If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms regularly, talk to your GP. They can assess your concerns and refer you to a gynaecologist or gynae-oncologist if needed:

• Persistent bloating
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Feeling full quickly or difficulty eating
• Frequent or urgent need to pee
• Changes in bowel habits
• Unexplained fatigue or weight changes
• Painful intercourse
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

The Link Between Ovarian Cancer and Surgical Menopause

Ovarian cancer treatment or preventive surgery often involves removing the ovaries, which triggers surgical menopause at any age. Unlike natural menopause, this hormonal shift happens abruptly, often bringing intense symptoms such as:

• Hot flushes & night sweats
• Mood changes (anxiety, depression, irritability)
• Joint pain, muscle aches, or bone density loss
• Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) – vaginal dryness, discomfort, or urinary issues
• Sleep disturbances, memory issues (“brain fog”)

The effects can be overwhelming both physically and emotionally. If you or someone you love is facing this, support is available—you don’t have to go through it alone.

Support & Treatment: Every Journey is Unique

For some women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help ease symptoms, while others may be advised to avoid it due to their specific type of cancer. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. The key is individualised care—finding what works for you with the guidance of a knowledgeable doctor.

• Connect with peer support groups – Talking to others who understand can make a world of difference. For example:
  • Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand (NZ): Ovarian Cancer New Zealand Support Group (borderline/cancer)
  • Menopause & Cancer (UK-AUS-NZ): Menopause & Cancer Chat Hub (all types of cancer)
  • Surgical Menopause NZ Trust (NZ): Surgical Menopause NZ
  • Mucinous Ovarian Cancer (INTL): Mucinous Ovarian Cancer Support Group
  • Borderline Ovarian Cancer / Tumours (INTL): Borderline Ovarian Cancer / Tumours
• Educate yourself & others – The more we talk about ovarian cancer and surgical menopause, the more awareness we raise.
• Support organisations working in this space – Organisations like Ovarian Cancer Foundation NZ, Talk Peach and Surgical Menopause NZ Trust are here to help.

Let’s Raise Awareness Together

Ovarian cancer doesn’t just affect those diagnosed—it impacts whānau, friends, and entire communities. This month, let’s make sure more women know the symptoms, understand the risks, and feel supported if they face ovarian cancer or surgical menopause.

If you or someone you know is navigating ovarian cancer or surgical menopause, we’re here to help. Let’s keep the conversation going—because awareness saves lives.

Ngā mihi nui,

The Team at Surgical Menopause NZ Trust