Premature Menopause

Women who have their ovaries removed before natural menopause has occurred will become menopausal at an earlier-than-usual age. Early menopause may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke) and bone loss/fracture due to osteoporosis. There are, however, a number of things you can do to help reduce these risks.

The Premature Menopause Pamphlet, Health Care Maintenance for Women Undergoing Risk-Reducing Ovarian Surgery [pdf], provides useful information for women who enroll in the surgical group of GOG 0199, as well as for their health care providers. It summarizes what we currently know about how to manage the medical problems that can develop among women who undergo early menopause.

We have also developed a series of information sheets related to other symptoms which women who undergo surgical menopause may experience:

• How to deal with surgical menopause: Q & A (pdf)
• Managing Hot Flashes & Night Sweats (pdf)
• Preventing Osteoporosis (pdf)
• Preventing Vaginal Dryness & Painful Intercourse (pdf)
• Dealing with Urinary Symptoms (pdf)
• Dealing with Decreased Sex Drive (pdf)