Medically Induced Menopause: What You Need to Know
By QENDO Operations, Ash
Menopause is a natural stage in life, but sometimes it’s medically induced, meaning it’s triggered not by age, but by medical treatments. For many people with endometriosis or other gynecological conditions, medically induced menopause (MIM) can be a part of managing symptoms or disease progression. Understanding what this means, what questions to ask your healthcare team, and your options can help you navigate this complex transition.
What is Medically Induced Menopause?
Medically induced menopause occurs when your ovaries stop producing hormones due to medical interventions. Common causes include:
Surgery: Removal of ovaries (oophorectomy) or a hysterectomy with ovaries removed.
Hormonal treatments: Medications like GnRH agonists or antagonists used to suppress ovarian function.
Cancer treatments: Chemotherapy or radiation targeting the pelvic area.
Unlike natural menopause, MIM can happen suddenly, which means symptoms, hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, low libido, vaginal dryness, and bone density loss, may appear abruptly and can be more severe.
What to Ask Your GP or Gynaecologist
If you’re considering treatments that may induce menopause, it’s important to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider. Some key questions include:
Why is this treatment being recommended for me?
Understand the benefits versus the risks.
What are the short-term and long-term side effects?
Ask specifically about bone health, cardiovascular health, and mental health.
What are my options for symptom management?
Discuss medications, lifestyle changes, and complementary therapies.
Could I delay or avoid medically induced menopause?
Explore less aggressive treatment options if appropriate.
How will this impact my fertility?
For those planning pregnancy, this is a crucial conversation.
What If I Don’t Want to Go Into Medically Induced Menopause?
You always have options and choices. If MIM is being suggested:
Discuss alternatives: Ask if less aggressive hormonal treatments, surgery-sparing procedures, or conservative management could work.
Lifestyle strategies: Diet, exercise, pelvic floor physiotherapy, and stress management can reduce symptoms and disease progression for some people.
Second opinion: Consulting another gynaecologist or endocrinologist can help you feel confident in your choices.
Remember, medically induced menopause is not always inevitable, and there are ways to manage symptoms and protect your overall health if it does occur. The most important thing is to be informed, ask questions, and advocate for your body and your choices.
At QENDO, we’re here to help you navigate these conversations with your healthcare team.