How long does menopause last after a full hysterectomy?
Hysterectomy
Dr. Shilpi Juneja
Answer
This is a very important point of clarification. A hysterectomy—the removal of the uterus—does not cause menopause. Menopause is caused by the cessation of hormone production from the ovaries. If your ovaries are left in place during your hysterectomy, you will continue to produce hormones and will enter menopause naturally at a later age. If your ovaries are removed at the same time as your uterus (a procedure called a bilateral oophorectomy), you will enter "surgical menopause" immediately.
The symptoms, like hot flashes, can be more intense than with natural menopause. These symptoms can last from several months to several years, but the good news is that we have excellent treatments like Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to help you manage them very effectively.
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