Finding out your surgery will put you into menopause can feel overwhelming — especially if it wasn’t something you were expecting. This section will help you understand what lies ahead, how to prepare, and how to advocate for yourself with your healthcare team.
| On this page: What is surgical menopause Causes Surgery 101 Informed consent Pre-surgery preparation What to expect after surgery |
What is surgical menopause
Surgical menopause occurs when both ovaries are removed during surgery, causing an immediate and complete drop in oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Unlike natural menopause, which happens gradually, this change is overnight — which is why symptoms are often more sudden and intense. With the right support and treatment, most women find their footing.
Causes
Ovaries may be removed to treat or prevent conditions including ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or BRCA-related cancer risk. Sometimes it happens unexpectedly during surgery planned for another reason. Understanding why can help you ask better questions and make more informed decisions.
Surgery 101
Understanding the surgery itself will help you feel more prepared and better able to ask the right questions before you go into theatre.
Informed consent
Informed consent is more than signing a form. You have the right to clear, honest information about your surgery, its consequences, and your options — before making any decisions. It includes the right to ask questions, take time to consider, and seek a second opinion.
Pre-surgery preparation
There are practical steps you can take before surgery to make the transition into surgical menopause smoother — from talking to your clinical team about hormone management to preparing your support network at home.
What to expect after surgery
The period after surgery can feel overwhelming — you are recovering physically while your hormones shift dramatically. This page walks you through what to expect so you can focus on rest and recovery.
| Not sure where to start? Download our free booklet — written for New Zealand women, by New Zealand women. Download here |
[Updated: April 2026]
Surgical Menopause New Zealand Trust 