Understanding Medical Menopause: What Every Woman Should Know
- Sep 19, 2024
- 6 min read
Miyara Women | Sep 19, 2024 | Updated: Sep 2, 2025
Written by: Kanchana, Lifestyle Consultant and Weight Management Specialist
“...Medical menopause should include specialist input from both medical, psychological teams, a plan regarding managing the menopause should be in place, even before the surgery/ cancer treatment happens, which is something that doesn't happen right now every time. Early diagnosis, not dismissing symptoms, quick referral to healthcare is really key to avoiding any delay, issues, or a drop in the quality of life. HRT is recommended for early menopause until 50 years of age. Thereafter, it's again the individual’s choice to stay on it or come off. And the biggest thing is we still need to understand more for the non-Caucasian population. There's plenty of research needed for Southeast Asian, African, and other ethnic women and other socioeconomic backgrounds. There's plenty more to know about their symptomatology, transition and which forms of treatments these women respond better to.” - Dr Vikram Talaulikar MBBS MD FRCOG PhD MICOG (in an interview with Miyara Health)
[Menopause specialist @ Menopause Clinic, London; Specialist in Reproductive Medicine at University College London Hospital; Hon. Associate Professor in Women’s Health at University College London]
This article is intended to create much-needed awareness regarding medically induced menopause so that women undergoing said treatments can have relevant discussions with their medical team and make informed decisions.
What Is Medical Menopause?
Menopause is a natural biological process of hormonal changes, particularly a decline in estrogen, that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. For some women, however, medical interventions or underlying health conditions can cause premature and abrupt menopause. This is termed medical menopause.
Depending on the individual case, this phase can be temporary, with the ovaries resuming hormone production once the underlying situation resolves. In other cases, permanent menopause is induced earlier than it would naturally occur. In either case, it can be a debilitating experience, but one that can be managed more readily by being prepared for it.
Why Does It Occur?
Medical menopause is the cessation of estrogen and progesterone production before the natural age of menopause, typically around age 50. The ovaries are the major production sites of these hormones. Any procedure or health condition that affects the ovaries has the potential to trigger it.
Surgical removal of both ovaries (oophorectomy): Usually done to treat or prevent cancer, particularly in those with a genetic risk of hormone-sensitive breast or ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or other reproductive health conditions.
c
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
an damage the ovaries, hampering hormone production and leading to premature menopause.
Arterial embolisation: In rare cases, when blood supply is cut off to arrest fibroid growth, blood vessels supplying the ovaries can be inadvertently damaged.
Certain medications: Some drugs used in breast cancer treatment can also suppress estrogen production.
In India, this is not a rare edge case. National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) data shows that nearly 1 in 10 Indian women have undergone hysterectomy by age 50, with the median age at hysterectomy being just 37 years, a full decade before the natural menopause age in India. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, as many as 1 in 5 women have had the procedure. When hysterectomy is accompanied by oophorectomy, it immediately triggers medical menopause, yet public health researchers have flagged that pre- and post-surgical menopause counselling is almost entirely absent in India's healthcare system. Dr. Talaulikar's observation above that planning "doesn't happen every time right now" is especially acute for Indian women.
The health consequences of surgical menopause are also more severe than those of premature natural menopause. The British Menopause Society 2024 Toolkit confirms increased rates of overall mortality, coronary heart disease, stroke, cognitive impairment, osteoporosis, and sexual dysfunction in women who undergo oophorectomy before natural menopause. On bone health specifically, a 2025 study in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research found a 6.7% decrease in lumbar spine bone mineral density within one year of bilateral oophorectomy in premenopausal women, compared to 2.5-3% per year in natural menopause. This makes early intervention non-negotiable, not optional.
Why Does It Occur?
Medical menopause is the cessation of estrogen and progesterone production before the natural age of menopause (typically around age 50). The ovaries are the major production sites of these hormones. Therefore, any procedure/health condition that affects the ovaries has the potential to cause medical menopause. Some reasons are:
Surgical removal of both ovaries (oophorectomy): This is usually done to treat/ prevent cancer (more particularly in those with genetic risk of hormone-sensitive breast or ovarian cancer), endometriosis, or other reproductive health conditions.
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy: This can cause damage to the ovaries thereby hampering hormone production and leading to premature menopause.
Arterial embolization: In rare cases, when the blood supply is cut off to arrest fibroid growth, blood vessels that supply the ovaries can be damaged during the procedure, leading to premature menopause.
Use of certain medications: Some medications, such as those used for breast cancer treatment, can also suppress estrogen production.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to natural menopause, driven by the same declining estrogen, but tend to be more acute and severe because the transition is abrupt, with no time for the body to adjust. They include hot flashes and night sweats, vaginal dryness and discomfort, decline in sexual drive, bladder problems, mood changes, sleep disturbances, bone and joint pain and stiffness, weight gain, skin and hair changes, and brain fog.
The main difference in medical (vs natural) menopause is that, very often, the transition is abrupt and there is no time for the body to adjust. Therefore, the symptoms can be more acute and severe than they normally would occur.
Does It Need to Be Treated?
Medical menopause cannot be reversed, but it can be well managed.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Replacing oestrogen and progesterone, especially in women well below the natural menopausal age, is beneficial. For premenopausal women who have undergone hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy, the benefits of estrogen therapy far outweigh the risks. The recommendation is to continue treatment until the age of natural menopause.
Non-hormonal medications: These may include over-the-counter medications for hot flashes, lubricants for vaginal dryness, or prescription medications for mood or sleep disorders.
Over-the-counter supplements: Phytoestrogen and isoflavone supplements are known to be effective, though results vary individually.
Alternative therapies: Some women find relief through acupuncture, hypnotherapy, and similar approaches.
Of these, the most effective and widely researched strategy, especially for hot flashes and sleep disorders, is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This involves altering mental perspective and distraction techniques for symptom management.
Do Lifestyle Changes Help?
Yes, absolutely. Regardless of treatment choice, lifestyle changes make a significant difference.
Consuming adequate nutrients: Calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fats are of particular importance. A diet balanced in whole grains, proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and prebiotics is needed. Regular consumption of soybeans, soy products, and a plant-based diet can help manage symptoms.
Being physically active: Progressive muscle strengthening is the most beneficial approach, helping maintain bone and muscle health. Exercise can positively impact psychological symptoms, hot flashes, sleep, and sexual health.
Creating a sound sleep routine: Dimming lights, a quiet environment, and a comfortable ambient temperature support restful sleep.
Adopting stress-relieving techniques: Meditation and deep breathing are techniques of choice. Activities that make you feel happy and relaxed, whether painting, singing, or crocheting, work too.
Keeping a watchful eye: Since estrogen plays multifaceted protective roles, the body becomes vulnerable to health risks when it is absent. Record and report any abnormalities. Periodic health checks are essential.
What Emotional Challenges Can Be Expected?
Medical menopause can significantly affect emotional well-being. Common challenges include anxiety and depression; loss of confidence associated with early ageing; relationship difficulties, especially with a significant other; and feelings of loneliness or grief linked to infertility.
How to Prepare for Medical Menopause
Discuss your treatment plan ahead of time: Talk to your healthcare provider about the possibility of medical menopause before surgery or treatment begins. Accept counselling services if offered, or request one if you feel overwhelmed.
Know your symptoms thoroughly: Educate yourself and keep a journal to track symptoms in detail.
Seek medical advice when necessary: Be regular with check-ups, research all treatment options, and note down questions beforehand.
Start with smaller changes: If you have many lifestyle adjustments to make, begin with the easier ones. Even small wins boost confidence.
Rely on your support system: Be open with loved ones about your feelings. Connect with online communities or support groups.
Engage in self-care: Make time for what gives you happiness. Nourish your inner self alongside physical and lifestyle changes.
Medical menopause can significantly affect a woman's life, particularly due to its sudden nature. With mental preparation and the right management strategies, a good quality of life is very much within reach.
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed belong solely to the content provider. Miyara Women does not undertake any financial/reputational/legal/misrepresentational impact or other obligations/ liabilities that may arise from the content.
About the author
Kanchana is a Lifestyle Consultant & Weight Management Specialist. After a Masters degree in Molecular Biology from the USA, she ventured into the field of Nutrition and is certified in General Nutrition, Sports Nutrition, and Weight Management. Her own successful weight loss journey inspired her to help people of all age groups and health conditions via Calorie Culture, which she founded in 2012. She is also an avid dancer, mini marathoner, and sports enthusiast. She strongly advocates sustainable lifestyle changes as a means to long-term health benefits and optimal weight.
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