Medically Induced Menopause: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief

Medically reviewed by Ellen Byars, MSN, WHNP, MSCP · Written by Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH · April 9, 2026

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Key Takeaways

Medically induced menopause happens when a medical treatment or surgery causes the ovaries to stop working, bringing on menopause right away rather than gradually.

Menopause can feel complicated. If it's caused by a medical treatment or surgery, you may have even more questions. Natural menopause happens when menstrual periods stop for at least 12 months, usually around age 52 in the United States. This transition is often gradual and may take several years.

Medically induced menopause occurs when a treatment — such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or medications that suppress ovarian function — causes the ovaries to stop working. When the ovaries stop making hormones, menopause starts right away. Symptoms may be more intense and can sometimes lead to complications.

Various treatment options can help manage symptoms of medically induced menopause. To provide guidance, ThisIsMenopause spoke with Maureen Luthardt, a board-certified women's health nurse practitioner and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner.

This article explains what causes medically induced menopause and how to manage its symptoms and side effects.

What Are the Causes of Medically Induced Menopause?

Someone might experience medically or surgically induced menopause for several reasons. Medical treatments that damage or remove the ovaries can cause menopause.

Hormone Therapy and Cancer Treatment

Some treatments can trigger menopause by changing or stopping hormone signals, while others damage the ovaries. These treatments are often used for cancer, including some types of breast cancer, and can help reduce the risk of it coming back. Treatments that may lead to medically induced menopause include:

Chemotherapy, which can damage the ovaries
Radiation therapy, especially if the ovaries are in the treatment area
Certain medications that lower or block estrogen

Surgical Procedures

Surgically induced menopause occurs when the ovaries are removed in a procedure called a bilateral oophorectomy. This causes the body to abruptly stop producing estrogen, leading to immediate menopause.

Luthardt explained that several types of surgery may lead to menopause. People with ovarian cancer or other cancers that have spread to the ovaries may need to have their ovaries removed.

People with endometriosis may experience surgically induced menopause. Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This can cause pelvic pain, heavy periods, and infertility. In severe cases, a healthcare provider may recommend removing the uterus and ovaries to relieve symptoms.

Luthardt explained that surgeries in the pelvic region may affect the ovaries, even if the surgery focuses on another organ, such as the uterus. "Think of the uterus as a tree with branches," she said. When the blood supply from the uterus is removed, the ovaries may also be affected.

What Should You Expect During Early Medically Induced Menopause?

Medically induced menopause may cause more intense symptoms than natural menopause, according to a study in the journal Medicina. This is because the ovaries stop working quickly, leading to a sudden drop in hormones. In contrast, natural menopause happens gradually during perimenopause.

Menopause between ages 40 and 45 is called early menopause. Menopause before 40 is considered premature menopause.

Luthardt recommends meeting with a menopause specialist to manage medically induced menopause. A certified practitioner has specialized training to recognize and treat symptoms. She explained that a menopause-certified practitioner can look at the big picture and understand how medically induced menopause affects different systems in the body.

Medically induced menopause may cause symptoms such as:

Hot flashes
Night sweats
Mood changes
Vaginal dryness
Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
Trouble sleeping

Many of these symptoms also occur with natural menopause but may be more severe. Symptoms can vary depending on factors such as overall health, weight, and lifestyle.

In addition to intense symptoms, medically induced menopause may increase the risk of certain chronic health conditions, including:

Osteoporosis — Estrogen helps keep bones strong. When levels drop, bones may become weaker, raising the risk of osteoporosis (thinning bones that break more easily).
Heart disease — Estrogen plays a role in heart health. Lower levels of estrogen may increase the risk of heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.
Dementia — Early menopause is linked to a higher risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Sexual health changes — Medically induced menopause can affect sexual health, including lower libido (sex drive) and reduced arousal.
Increased risk of death — Women who've had their ovaries removed before age 50 and do not use hormone therapy may have a higher risk of death.

How Is Medically Induced Menopause Treated?

Medically induced menopause can cause intense symptoms and serious complications, but treatment options are available. Hormone therapy can replace the estrogen the ovaries no longer produce. If hormone therapy is safe for you, it may significantly improve symptoms and lower the risk of complications.

Talk with your healthcare provider about whether hormone therapy is right for you. Luthardt explained that many women with medically induced menopause can benefit from hormone therapy. For example, if you had your ovaries removed to prevent cancer due to a BRCA gene mutation, hormone therapy may still be an option.

Luthardt noted that hormone doses depend on age: "We replace it at the physiologic level up until the natural age of menopause." This means someone in their 30s may need a higher dose than someone in their 50s, since estrogen levels are naturally higher during the reproductive years.

However, hormone therapy is not for everyone. If you have hormone-sensitive breast cancer, taking estrogen may increase the risk of the cancer spreading. Luthardt recommended non-estrogen treatments for those with a history of estrogen-sensitive cancer.

NONHORMONAL TREATMENT OPTIONS

Nonhormonal treatment options to manage medically induced menopause symptoms may include:

Antidepressants — Medications that balance brain chemicals may help with mood changes.
Antihypertensives — Some blood pressure medications may help reduce hot flashes.
Vaginal lubricants — These can help relieve vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex.
Calcium supplements — Calcium with vitamin D can help support bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Therapy — Speaking with a therapist can provide emotional support and coping strategies.

Your healthcare provider may also recommend regular follow-up visits to monitor symptoms and check for signs of complications. This may include bone density tests and blood tests.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle changes can help you feel better. Consider taking these steps:

Exercise daily, including strength training.
Eat a nutrient-dense diet, such as the Mediterranean diet.
Prioritize quality sleep.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Practice stress management, such as mindfulness or yoga.

Luthardt advised against starting new supplements or natural remedies without talking with your healthcare provider. Many products marketed for menopause symptoms have not been proven to work. "It's a rough situation," Luthardt said. Meeting with a menopause specialist can help you find the best treatment plan.

References