Is Surgery the Start of Your Menopause Journey?

Kate Dyson, a 44-year-old woman from East Sussex, is leading efforts to reform NHS policy regarding surgical menopause after experiencing a sudden onset of symptoms following the removal of her ovaries. Her campaign aims to ensure that all women facing similar surgeries receive comprehensive support and information about hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Last updated: 13 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Kate Dyson's story highlights the urgent need for policy reform within the NHS regarding the treatment and support of women undergoing surgical menopause. After her surgery, Dyson experienced severe symptoms associated with the sudden drop in hormones, yet she found the aftercare lacking. Her campaign, Surge Menopause, aims to inform and support women facing ovary removal, ensuring they are adequately prepared for the potential impacts of surgical menopause.

Key takeaways

Surgical menopause can occur after the removal of both ovaries, leading to sudden hormonal changes.
Many women report inadequate aftercare and information following such surgeries.
Dyson's campaign seeks to improve access to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and ensure proper follow-up care.

Timeline: how we got here

Kate Dyson underwent her subtotal hysterectomy over four years ago, which preserved her cervix but ultimately led to the removal of her ovaries during a more recent surgery. This surgery took place six months ago, after which she experienced immediate symptoms of surgical menopause, such as hot flushes and confusion.

Following her surgery, Dyson became increasingly aware of the gaps in care for women experiencing similar situations, prompting her to establish the Surge Menopause campaign. The campaign seeks to address these issues and advocate for better practices and education within the NHS.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Kate Dyson's campaigning efforts have gained momentum, as she calls for better pre-surgery information and post-operative care for women facing ovary removal. The disparity between the need for HRT and the actual provision of it has become a focal point of her advocacy.

What was already established

Previous research indicates that only a small percentage of women receive HRT after surgery to remove both ovaries, despite guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommending HRT until the average age of natural menopause. Dyson's experience reflects a broader problem within NHS practices concerning women's health.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The lack of adequate support following surgical menopause can have significant impacts on women’s daily lives, including mental health challenges, increased healthcare costs, and a lack of understanding from family members and friends. With proper information and support, women could better manage symptoms and make informed decisions about their health.

Businesses and jobs

Women experiencing surgical menopause may face challenges in the workplace, such as increased absenteeism and decreased productivity due to unmanaged symptoms. This can also impact employers, who may need to accommodate the needs of affected employees more effectively.

Policy and regulation

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has acknowledged the shortcomings in care for women post-surgery and is reportedly working to improve the system. Advocacy from Dyson and others may prompt legislative changes and create more awareness around these critical health issues.

Numbers that matter

4.8%: Percentage of pre-menopausal women who received HRT after ovary removal surgeries across three NHS hospitals.
51 years: Average age of natural menopause, as recommended by health guidelines for HRT continuation.
126: Number of women surveyed in research regarding post-operative HRT provision.

Definitions and jargon buster

Surgical menopause: A form of menopause that occurs when the ovaries are surgically removed, leading to an abrupt decline in hormone levels.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): A treatment used to relieve symptoms of menopause by replacing hormones that are at a lower level.
Subtotal hysterectomy: A surgical procedure that removes the uterus but leaves the cervix intact.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Individuals facing surgery should seek comprehensive information about the potential impacts of surgical menopause from their healthcare providers. Engaging in conversations about HRT options prior to surgery is crucial.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As Dyson's campaign progresses, monitoring changes in NHS policies regarding surgical menopause will be essential. Patients should stay informed about any new guidelines or support systems that may emerge.

Signals to watch

Updates from the DHSC regarding changes in practice or policy for women undergoing ovary removal surgeries.
Increased public discussions around menopause and women’s health in the media.
Research studies or reports highlighting the outcomes of advocacy efforts on women's healthcare.

Practical guidance

Do

Communicate openly with healthcare providers about pre-surgery and post-surgery care options.
Research available support resources and communities for women experiencing surgical menopause.
Consider advocating for oneself and others facing similar health challenges.

Don’t

Ignore symptoms of surgical menopause; seek help and treatment options promptly.
Assume that all healthcare professionals are fully informed about menopause and HRT—ask questions.
Delay discussing hormone therapy options; earlier intervention can lead to better outcomes.

Checklist

Gather information about surgical menopause and its effects.
Prepare a list of questions to discuss with your healthcare provider.
Explore HRT options and understand the associated benefits and risks.
Join support groups or online communities for shared experiences.
Keep track of symptoms to discuss during follow-up appointments.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Dyson's advocacy highlights critical issues, it is important to note that not all experiences of surgical menopause are the same. Individual responses to surgery and HRT can vary widely. Additionally, ongoing research may change the understanding of best practices in this area, necessitating continual updates and adaptations in care.

Bottom line

The experience of surgical menopause can be abrupt and challenging, impacting many aspects of a woman's life. Kate Dyson's campaign is crucial in raising awareness and pushing for necessary changes within the NHS. As the conversation around women's health evolves, it is essential for patients to advocate for themselves and seek comprehensive care.

FAQs

What is surgical menopause?

Surgical menopause occurs when both ovaries are removed, leading to an immediate drop in hormone levels and associated menopausal symptoms.

How can I prepare for surgery that may lead to surgical menopause?

It's important to have open discussions with your healthcare provider about the potential impacts of surgery and the options available for hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

What support is available for women experiencing surgical menopause?

Women can seek support from healthcare providers, local support groups, and online communities dedicated to discussing and managing surgical menopause.