Treatments that May Cause or Accelerate Menopause: Radiation & Surgery

• Radiation near reproductive organs can lead to permanent ovarian shutdown, worsening of menopausal symptoms, and vaginal tissue thinning
• Total body radiation often causes permanent menopause
• Bilateral oophorectomy (removal of ovaries) results in immediate menopause and may intensify symptoms
• Even women in menopause may feel differently after ovaries have been removed
• Hysterectomy alone does not cause menopause but can mask symptoms by removing periods