Women who undergo surgical menopause are more likely to experience severe sexual and urinary symptoms than those who reach menopause naturally.
Surgical menopause occurs when both ovaries are removed, causing an immediate and significant drop in hormone levels.
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a chronic condition caused by declining oestrogen levels after menopause, leading to changes in the lower urinary tract and genital tissues.
In a Turkish study published in the journal Menopause, researchers compared 218 women who underwent surgical menopause with 204 women who experienced natural menopause.
Women in the surgical menopause group reported significantly more severe GSM symptoms than those in the natural menopause group. Common sexual symptoms included vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, reduced sexual desire, and postcoital bleeding. Urinary symptoms included painful urination, urinary urgency or frequent urination, urinary incontinence, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Physical examinations also showed higher GSM scores among women who had undergone surgical menopause.
Because these symptoms can substantially affect quality of life, the researchers say routine clinical assessment and early intervention are essential. Treatment options include hormone therapy as well as non-hormonal approaches, such as vaginal lubricants and moisturisers. The researchers also recommend considering ovarian-conserving approaches during hysterectomy whenever clinically appropriate to help reduce the risk of severe menopausal symptoms.
