Artificial Menopause
Artificial menopause often occurs as a result of medical intervention.
Examples of the causes of artificial menopause are:
- oopherectomy - removal of the ovaries
- radiation to the pelvic area
- some medication or drugs
The ovaries produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Some women may need an oopherectomy to prevent some cancers from spreading or for other reasons. Oopherectomy is the surgical removal of the ovaries and can be performed as part of a full hysterectomy with oopherectomy. Removal of the ovaries will significantly reduce the production of estrogen and progesterone, putting the woman into artificial menopause. Many women will require hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or estrogen therapy (ET) after the ovaries are removed.
Radiation to the pelvic area may also cause artificial menopause as the radiation can render the ovaries non-functional, hence the production of estrogen and progesterone is halted and menopause is reached.
Some drugs and medication can cause artificial menopause, but they are usually reversible once the drug is stopped.
January 1st, 2006 at 7:37 am
I have been having all the symtoms of menopause for the past 6 months. I am 30 years old and have had 1 ovary and tube removed over a year ago. I was told that I had endometriosis that doctor removed and have a fibroid tumor inside my uterus wall. He didn’t remove my uterus because he felt it wasn’t nessesary. Before the removal i had severe pain and cysts removed about six months before. My insurance ran out and I can’t afford to go back to the doctor even though he gives me a big discount. Is there any thing over the counter that I can take before I have to pay a doctor to tell me something so simple. I have taken vitamins but I get really sick with them because of the Iron.