Management of Surgical Menopause


Current international guidelines recommend the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for all women who undergo menopause under the age of 45 years old as long as they do not have a co-existing medical condition where HRT is contraindicated. Treatment with HRT should continue until the average age of menopause (51 years old) and then be reviewed.


Women who have had breast cancer should avoid HRT as it has been associated with an increased risk of recurrent disease. There are many other non-hormonal medications that are effective in treating menopausal symptoms.


For women who are at high risk for breast cancer but do not have a prior history of breast cancer such as carriers of a BRCA gene mutation, HRT appears to be safe.


Using HRT will relieve hot flushes in the majority of women, but these symptoms may still persist in younger women despite the use of HRT.


There has been widespread reaction to HRT due to a perceived increased risk of breast cancer and concerns regarding other possible adverse effects. Many women have significant anxieties about using HRT – our women’s health general physician or gynaecologists women’s health general physician or gynaecologists will discuss the benefits and potential risks of HRT with the patient. For many women, short-term HRT use is a safe and effective treatment for menopausal symptoms with minimal risk.


A healthy lifestyle is essential after surgical menopause, and our doctors will discuss lifestyle advice with the patient during consultation.


Useful External Links


  1. Australasian Menopause Society
  2. Jean Hailes For Women’s Health
  3. Cancer Australia
  4. Cancer Council Western Australia
  5. Breast Cancer Network Australia
  6. Australian Dietary Guidelines

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