Being prepared before your surgery can make a significant difference to how you experience the transition into surgical menopause and your recovery afterwards.
Learn what to expect
Understanding that you will enter menopause immediately after surgery — and what that means for your body — is the most important preparation you can do. The more informed you are beforehand, the less shocking the transition tends to be.
| Starting HRT as soon as possible after surgery is generally recommended. Having that conversation with your GP before surgery means you are not starting from scratch while also recovering. |
Talk to your clinical team before surgery
Depending on your situation, your menopause management after surgery may be led by your surgeon, gynaecologist, oncologist, or GP — or a combination of these. Before your surgery, ask whoever is leading your care who will be responsible for managing your menopause afterwards, and whether a plan can be put in place before you go into theatre. You should not have to figure this out alone while also recovering from surgery.
Prepare your support network
Surgical menopause affects not just your body but your energy, mood, sleep and cognitive function. Let the people close to you know what to expect. Having practical support organised in advance — help with childcare, meals, transport — will allow you to focus on recovery.
Questions to ask before you leave hospital
Before you are discharged, make sure you know:
- What warning signs to watch for during recovery
- When you can start HRT if it has been prescribed
- Who to contact if your symptoms are severe
- When your follow-up appointment is
| Download our free booklet and bring it to your pre-surgery appointments. It covers what to expect and includes questions to ask your healthcare team. Download here |
Practical preparation
In the weeks before surgery consider:
- Filling any prescriptions in advance
- Stocking your home with easy meals and essentials
- Arranging time off work
- Planning for a gradual return to normal activity
- Sorting childcare or care for dependents
References
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, About Your Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy, [Accessed: 26 Aug 2024].
Rotorua Hospital, Your Admission for a Procedure or Surgery: Patient Information, [Created: July 2021].
[Updated: April 2026]
Surgical Menopause New Zealand Trust 