Surgical menopause at 51

Hi Samantha

I can understand your concerns about a surgical menopause.

I went on the mini pill due to heavy periods during perimenopause. Within a few months my periods stopped. When I had my diagnosis I was not actually sure where I was in terms on menopause. 

After surgery I did not notice any menopausal signs in particular but I did go on to have chemotherapy so the effects of that may have disguised anything hormonal. 

I was also told that because my cancer was hormone positive that any HRT would be contraindicated. However I have come across cases of ladies on here who have been able to take some forms of HRT and it seems that in certain circumstances it can be considered on an individual basis. The post op results are the important ones as they confirm the final stage and grade and also other important information. 

Having experience of being a fitness instructor, focussing on your own fitness and making positive changes will, I am sure help with your recovery. I found that the actual surgery, after the first few weeks did not affect my ability to exercise- for me it was walking that helped most. I walked each day as soon as I got home from hospital. 

I did go on to have chemo and then radiotherapy and during that time I was too unwell to continue walking everyday, but on good days I did still manage to go out. So for me walking was what worked for me. Although I do have some side effects from treatment, I believe on the whole I am fitter than I was before I had cancer. 

I wish you well with your surgery.

Jane

Thanks for this response.  Really helpful as I do love walking, even just down the street. I’m likely to have chemo 6 weeks. Just need to get through the surgery first and see how that leaves me. Thanks again xx

Hello

I am 56 and also had mirena coil so was unsure if I had gone through menopause as had started my periods late.

i had an open hysterectomy with 15cm vertical incision on 31st October followed by 3 brachytherapy sessions completing on 13 January 2026

I was pretty fit and active before surgery with normal BMI and had not really suffered any menopause symptoms just some mild diarrhoea after the brachytherapy.

I also went skiing 4 months post surgery and although took it easy and listened to my body was fine.

Let me know if you have questions x

I had abdominal op, and because of the stitches I was more comfortable standing than sitting, so was standing/walking quite a bit in hospital. My first walk when I got home when I planned to do 5 mins was 25 mins, and I was fine, so tended to do that each day, plus up and down stairs so many times. But I did lie down when the body told me. Recovered really well, driving locally at 3 weeks, and managed 2 weeks in the swimming pool when I was allowed before starting radio.

It was the chemo that knocked me exercise wise, but as you say that’s for another day.

good luck

lol! I won’t even go skiing now - never in my life. You’re amazing!!! Thank you so much. You’re giving me hope, particularly as I’ve just received my clinic letter summarising all the side effects and complications of the surgery. I will stay positive and definitely come back to you. Thank you again xx

I found the walking really helped- physically and mentally. 

Good luck for the surgery. 

Thank you. I was having a conversation today saying I think walking is going to be my lifeline - mentally and physically xx

Hi Samantha,

I have always a been a very active and sporty person and had a full hysterectomy (keyhole surgery) in January 2025. I was 49 then and wasn’t experiencing any perimenopausal symptoms. Walking was definitely my lifeline after surgery and the fresh air did wonders for my mood. Swimming was the first sport I got back to properly and I did so slowly. My biggest advice would be not to rush getting back into sport and really listen to your body. You’ll know when it feels right or if you have done too much.

It took at least 5 months post surgery for me to experience any menopausal symptoms and that has mainly been hot flushes. I am currently waiting for appointment at the menopause clinic (at my local hospital) to see what I can take to help with this and for advice - it’s currently a 9 month wait(!). I think it’s important to remember that everyone is different and their journey through the menopause will be different. I feel I have been lucky so far as I know others who experienced menopause symptoms soon after surgery and who have really struggled, particularly mentally. Looking after your well-being can go a long way in helping with this, especially being active.

I hope the surgery goes well. Please do ask if you have anymore questions.

Jo

Thank you. I’m having abdo surgery and lymph node removal so my recovery is likely to be longer than if I could have keyhole (my fibroids are too big). I’ll just take each day as it comes xx