Surgical Menopause
Symptom Guide

As we enter surgical menopause, hormone deficiency can cause challenging - and severe – symptoms. This is the most comprehensive list of symptoms that go beyond ‘brain fog and hot flushes’.

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Authored by:

Medically Reviewed by:

Kate Dyson

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Dr Deepali Misra-Sharp

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Surgical menopause happens suddenly. When both ovaries are removed, your body loses its main source of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone overnight, and this abrupt hormone crash triggers an intense and immediate reaction in both our body and brain. As this happens, we can start experience symptoms within hours and the days that follow.

Unlike natural menopause, which unfolds gradually over years, surgical menopause can feel like a sudden storm due to the hormonal deficency we experience. Symptoms often feel extreme, especially without hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and can take us by surprise if we don’t anticipate them.

We typically know the stereotypical ‘brain fog and hot flushes’ that are commonly associated with menopause. But there are many more that are less discussed, and as a result we can question whether they are related to surgical menopause – or whether we need think again. You may experience a handful of these symptoms, or find yourself nodding at many of them as you read through. It’s important to remember that we all experience surgical menopause differently and our symptoms will differ from woman to woman.

No, you aren’t going crazy – it’s (probably) surgical menopause.

Symptom Guides

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Why symptoms can feel so extreme

In natural menopause, the body adjusts gradually as hormones decline. In surgical menopause, hormone levels plummet in a matter of hours, leaving no time for adaptation. This sudden deprivation affects the brain, skin, heart, and every organ system — which is why the impact can feel total. It’s important to keep monitoring your symptoms using apps, notes or our symptom tracker.