Surgical Menopause New Zealand Trust

Every year, thousands of women undergo medical treatment that induces menopause – often without full knowledge of what it will mean for their bodies, minds and lives. In Aotearoa, an average of over 3,000 hysterectomies are performed each year in the public health system, with more than a third on people under the age of 45. Many of these surgeries involve the removal of ovaries, triggering surgical menopause – yet the true number affected isn’t currently recorded. What we do know is that a significant number are entering menopause earlier than expected, often without adequate information or support.

This Women’s Health Week (11–17 August), we’re launching More Than a Signature – a social media campaign that calls attention to the urgent need for better informed consent, transparency and support for those facing surgical menopause in Aotearoa.

Because ticking a box or signing a form isn’t enough.

Why this campaign matters

Too many people have shared their stories of feeling rushed, confused, or completely unaware of the long-term effects of surgery that removes ovaries – a procedure that triggers immediate menopause, regardless of age.

In our national surveys conducted in 2022–2023 by Surgical Menopause NZ Trust and Menodoctor NZ, a pattern emerged:

🗣 “No one briefed me on what was going to happen to my body afterwards.”

🗣 “I was not told of surgical menopause before my surgery. It hit me like a train.”

Behind these quotes are real lives affected – jobs lost, relationships strained, mental health shaken, identities redefined. And almost all could have been better supported with clear, honest information and timely follow-up care.

What to expect from the campaign

Over seven days, we’ll be sharing real patient quotes alongside evidence-based information to highlight:

• What informed consent should include and what’s missing
• How surgical menopause affects the body and mind
• The legal rights every patient in Aotearoa has under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights
• Where to go for advocacy and support

We’ll also be introducing our upcoming patient booklet, designed to support informed decision-making and better outcomes after surgery.

Help us make this visible

We need your help to reach the people who need this most.
Please like, comment and share the campaign posts across the week to amplify these stories and make surgical menopause part of the national health conversation.

If you’d like to support the ongoing work behind this campaign – including the printing and distribution of the booklet, brochure and poster for awareness – donations are welcome via our Givealittle page. Every bit helps us continue this work.

Whether you’ve been through this, are supporting someone who has, or simply believe in people’s right to know what’s happening to their body join us.

Together, we can make surgical menopause matter.

#MoreThanASignature #MakeSurgicalMenopauseMatter #WHWNZ #WomensHealthWeekNZ