Surgical menopause is the abrupt and immediate cessation of ovarian function and sex steroid production induced by the surgical removal of both ovaries, a procedure known as a bilateral oophorectomy. Unlike natural menopause, which is a gradual transition, surgical menopause results in an instantaneous and severe drop in estrogen, progesterone, and androgen levels, leading to the rapid onset of menopausal symptoms. This state necessitates immediate and comprehensive hormonal evaluation and management to mitigate acute symptoms and long-term health risks.
Origin
The term combines “surgical,” indicating the operative cause, with “menopause,” the permanent cessation of menstruation. This distinction is clinically important because the suddenness of the hormonal withdrawal in surgical menopause often results in more intense and potentially severe vasomotor and cognitive symptoms compared to the natural perimenopausal transition. The medical community recognizes this as an iatrogenic endocrine deficiency.
Mechanism
The ovaries are the primary source of sex hormones in premenopausal women. Their removal eliminates the source of estrogen and progesterone, instantaneously shutting down the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian axis’s peripheral arm. This sudden hormonal vacuum triggers an immediate and profound neuroendocrine response, leading to severe vasomotor instability, accelerated bone loss, and significant mood and cognitive changes due to the lack of hormonal support in target tissues.
The timing of estrogen therapy in relation to menopause can influence its effects on cognitive function, with some evidence suggesting a "critical window" for optimal benefits.
Hormonal support after risk-reducing oophorectomy involves precise replacement of lost hormones to restore vitality and mitigate long-term health risks.
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