Keith DysonA woman who went into sudden menopause after having both ovaries removed is leading efforts to change NHS policy.
Kate Dyson, 44, from Hastings, East Sussex, had the operation six months ago following a subtotal hysterectomy in 2021 to remove her uterus – a procedure which leaves the cervix in place.
The mum-of-three says she was completely unprepared for the consequences of surgical menopause caused by the removal of both ovaries.
“It honestly felt like falling off a hormonal cliff,” she said. BBC Radio Sussex.
“A few hours after the operation, I was home that same day. I had hot flashes, confusion, and the first night I woke up in the morning and was sweating,” she said.
Ms Dyson found the aftercare unpleasant and said it was common for women.
“We are discharged without hormones, without warning and without support,” she said.
“My discharge simply says: “You can try combined HRT.” [hormone replacement therapy] if she wishes,” as if it were an offer for a glass of wine on the weekend.”
The experience prompted her to set up the Surge Menopause campaign group, which aims to push the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to revolutionize its proposals.
The DHSC said it was taking action to combat the shortcomings, including adding menopause advice to NHS health checks and cutting gynecology waiting lists.
A spokesman said: “It is unacceptable that women do not receive adequate care and support following surgical menopause and the Health Secretary has made it clear that we have inherited a broken health system with too many women still subject to a system that does not listen to their experiences or understand their needs.”
Menopause “one-stop shop”
Ms Dyson said: “We urge every woman facing oophorectomy to receive clear information about the impact of surgical menopause before surgery, supportive information about hormone therapy and automatic access to HRT where safe to do so, and appropriate follow-up care that is appropriate to the severity of symptoms experienced by women undergoing surgical menopause.”
Only 4.8% of 126 premenopausal women at three NHS hospitals who had surgery to remove both ovaries were subsequently given HRT, according to research by Newson Health and Dr Keri Cashell.
This is despite the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) and the British Menopause Society recommending HRT until the average age of natural menopause, around 51.
Ms Dyson set up the Surge website herself in an effort to create a “one-stop shop” for all matters related to surgical menopause.
Her biggest goal was to create a space where survivors could learn what life looks like “in this brand new chapter of surgical menopause.”
