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.