Frequently Asked Questions
About SURGE
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SURGE was founded by Kate Dyson, a writer, advocate and founder of The Motherload community. Kate entered surgical menopause at 44 following the removal of both ovaries for endometriosis. Experiencing the abrupt hormonal crash and lack of medical support that followed, she founded SURGE to advocate for women facing the same journey — offering information, resources and community to help them navigate surgical menopause with evidence-based care and understanding. The advocacy campaign that accompanies the site supports policy change and awareness, but the heart of SURGE is support, education and empowerment.
You can find out more in our ‘About SURGE’ section -
SURGE is set up as a Community Interest Company, which means we are a not-for-profit organisation legally committed to delivering public benefit. Any income we generate is reinvested into our work supporting women in surgical menopause, including education, awareness, research and campaigning for better care. As a CIC, SURGE has an asset lock, which protects the organisation’s purpose and ensures it can’t be used for private gain. This structure allows us to operate independently, transparently, and with accountability, while staying focused on impact rather than profit.
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SURGE is a non-profit organisation that supports women facing or who are already in surgical menopause. Our website platform is designed to offer specific advice for women who are planning surgery, in recovery or living their lives after surgery (or surgically induced failure) to remove their ovaries. Our intent is to provide best-in-class, medically reviewed, safe information that you can utilise to speak with clinicians, advocate for yourself and navigate surgical menopause feeling empowered.
In addition, We’re calling for mandatory pre-operative counselling about surgical menopause; immediate HRT provision at hospital discharge, in line with NICE guidance; specialist training for gynaecologists and GPs on surgical menopause; national data collection to monitor care and outcomes; and recognition of surgical menopause as a distinct medical condition, not just “early menopause”. -
We’re calling for mandatory pre-operative counselling about surgical menopause; immediate HRT provision at hospital discharge, in line with NICE guidance; specialist training for gynaecologists and GPs on surgical menopause; national data collection to monitor care and outcomes; and recognition of surgical menopause as a distinct medical condition, not just “early menopause.”
About Surgical Menopause
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Surgical menopause occurs when both ovaries are removed (bilateral oophorectomy) or their function stops because of pelvic surgery. This causes an immediate and total loss of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone, leading to sudden and often severe symptoms. Unlike natural menopause, which happens gradually, surgical menopause is instant and can increase the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, cognitive decline and mood disorders if left untreated
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Every year, around 30,000–40,000 hysterectomies take place in England and Wales, and many include removal of one or both ovaries. Research shows that women with endometriosis are seven times more likely to experience surgical menopause and more likely to reach menopause early, even without surgery
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Symptoms can include hot flushes, night sweats, anxiety or low mood, fatigue, brain fog, insomnia, joint pain and loss of libido. Because hormones drop so suddenly, symptoms are often more intense than during natural menopause. Many women also describe feeling emotionally shocked or disconnected after surgery.
Read more about surgical menopause symptoms here -
Yes. NICE and the British Menopause Society recommend that women who experience surgical menopause before the natural age of menopause (around 51) should be offered HRT unless there is a medical reason not to take it. However, a 2024 audit of three NHS hospitals found that only 4.8% of women received HRT after surgery, despite the known health risks of hormone deprivation. This exposes a critical gap in care that SURGE is working to close.
Read more about HRT here -
Without HRT, women are at increased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and fractures, cognitive decline and dementia, depression and anxiety, and early mortality. HRT can protect against many of these outcomes, and testosterone replacement can further improve mood, energy and sexual wellbeing.
Read more about the long term health risks here -
Some women are unable to take HRT due to conditions such as oestrogen-receptor cancer or deep infiltrating endometriosis.
Some women find that they are refused HRT because of outdated misconceptions or clinician uncertainty. This is particularly common in those with endometriosis or a history of breast cancer. In the UK, fewer than half of eligible women are offered HRT after ovary removal—a serious failure that SURGE aims to address through advocacy, education and system-wide change. -
No. Surgical menopause happens suddenly after the ovaries are removed. Medical menopause is triggered by drugs or treatments (for example, chemotherapy or GnRH analogues) and may be temporary. Natural menopause develops gradually as ovarian function declines. Each requires tailored care and individualised treatment.
Where to find further support
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Menopause Support
Practical, peer-led information and support for people navigating perimenopause and menopause, including symptoms, treatment options and lived experience.
https://menopausesupport.co.ukBritish Menopause Society (BMS)
The leading UK authority for menopause healthcare professionals, offering evidence-based guidance on HRT, menopause management and clinical best practice.
https://thebms.org.ukNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
Provides national clinical guidelines that shape how menopause, HRT and women’s health care are delivered across the NHS in England and Wales.
https://www.nice.org.ukWomen's Health Concern
The patient arm of the British Menopause Society, offering clear, balanced and medically reviewed information for those experiencing menopause.
https://www.womens-health-concern.orgDaisy Network
A specialist charity supporting people with premature ovarian insufficiency and early menopause through information, advocacy and peer support.
https://www.daisynetwork.orgBalance Menopause
An evidence-led menopause education platform founded by Dr Louise Newson, with symptom tools, treatment guidance and clinician-led content.
https://www.balance-menopause.comNHS England
The official NHS source for menopause information, outlining symptoms, treatment options and how to access care within the health system.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause -
Surgical Menopause UK
A peer-led Facebook community led by Lisa Creasey, offering lived experience, practical advice and emotional support specifically for those navigating surgical menopause.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/surgicalmenopauseukMenopause Support
A large, active Facebook group hosted by Diane Danzebrink, focused on shared experiences of menopause, with community discussion around symptoms, HRT and daily life.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopausesupportThe Latte Lounge
A supportive midlife community created by menopause campaigner Katie Taylor, combining peer support with expert talks and wellbeing resources.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thelattelounge -
Tough Love and Surgical Menopause
Presented by Lisa Creasey, the founder of Surgical Menopause UK Facebook community, this is a lovely listen that confronts the reality of living with surgical menopause. Lisa is regularly joined by women who are in surgical menopause, and experts leading the way for better care.
Listen to Tough Love and Surgical Menopause -
Menopausing – Davina McCall & Dr Naomi Potter
A highly accessible, evidence-based guide that includes early and surgical menopause, combining medical expertise with real-life experience.
Buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0008517331The Menopause Brain – Dr Lisa Mosconi
A science-led exploration of how menopause affects the brain, cognition and mental health, particularly relevant after sudden hormone loss.
Buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0241571252The Menopause Book – Dr Nighat Arif
A compassionate, practical guide to menopause care, addressing symptoms, treatment options and health advocacy within the UK system.
Buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0241614083Everything You Need to Know About the Menopause – Kate Muir
A sharp, well-researched look at menopause through a medical, political and cultural lens, including gaps in care and patient experience.
Buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0349006270The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause – Dr Louise Newson
An evidence-based reference guide covering hormone changes, HRT and menopause management, including early and surgical menopause.
Buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/178504366X