Surgical menopause like a 'hormonal cliff edge'

A woman from East Sussex who was plunged into sudden menopause after surgery to remove both ovaries is spearheading efforts to change NHS policy in this area.

Kate Dyson, 44, from Hastings, underwent the surgery six months ago after having a subtotal hysterectomy just over four years ago to remove her uterus - a procedure which leaves the cervix in place.

The mum-of-three says she was completely unprepared for the impact of surgical menopause, which is triggered by both ovaries being removed.

"Honestly it was like falling off a hormonal cliff edge," she told BBC Radio Sussex.

"Within hours of the surgery I was home the same day. I was experiencing hot flushes, confusion, and the first night I woke up in the morning and I was absolutely dripping with sweat," she said.

Ms Dyson says she found the aftercare galling, and says this is commonplace for many women.

She said: "We are discharged without hormones, without warning, and without support. In my discharge notes it simply read, 'can try combined HRT [hormone replacement therapy] if she wishes', as if it were suggesting a glass of wine at the weekend."

This experience prompted her to start campaign group Surge Menopause, whose aim is to push the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to revolutionise its offering.

Read full story

Source: BBC News, 10 November 2025

Related reading on the hub:

• “It’s not menopause, you’re too young and don’t have the right symptoms"—the difficulties accessing menopause support and treatment
• Raising awareness of surgical menopause