Early Menopause Q & A

1. What is a hysterectomy?
   A hysterectomy is an operation in which the uterus is removed. Depending on the woman's situation, her cervix, ovaries and/or Fallopian tubes might also be removed. When the ovaries are removed during hysterectomy, the level of hormones circulating in the blood drops sharply. Following this type of surgery, women who are not menopausal will become so. And sometimes, even when ovaries are not removed, the blood flow to the ovaries is reduced thereby reducing the hormone production levels. Menopause follows.



2. If I have premature ovarian failure (POF) can I still get pregnant?
   Even though POF is defined by having post menopausal hormone levels and no periods for a full year, all before the age of 40, you can still get pregnant. Approximately 10% of women with POF still ovulate occasionally.



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3. What's the difference between early menopause and premature menopause?
   Early menopause is the complete pause to your periods for at least one full year, before the age of 45. Premature menopause occurs before age 40 and is more often referred to as premature ovarian failure (POF), unless induced by surgery or chemicals.



4. Can early menopause be the result of surgery or cancer treatments?
   Yes. Removing or damaging blood flow to your ovaries will result in early menopause. Chemotherapy and radiation can also cause your ovaries to fail. Tamoxifen has also been credited with inducing early menopause.



5. What exactly is menopause?
   Menopause is the pause of your menses more commonly known as your period. Your ovaries have run out of eggs. This can be the result in a natural decline in hormone production, surgery, drugs or ovarian damage.