Menopause Surgery

Surgery is not a treatment for menopause, but conditions requiring surgery become more common at the time of menopause.

Menopause Surgery Choices

Procedures that may be used to diagnose or treat problems, such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, that occur during or after menopause include:

• Dilation and curettage.
• Endometrial ablation.
• Endometrial biopsy.
• Hysteroscopy.
• Hysterectomy.

What to Think About when deciding Menopause Surgery

Bothersome symptoms and abnormal bleeding often stop naturally after menopause is completed. If menopause is nearing completion, watchful waiting may be the best approach when uterine fibroids or endometriosis is present.

Some women may prefer the risks of surgery to the burden and inconvenience of their symptoms.

Indications for surgery during menopause

Surgery to treat or prevent problems during menopause may be considered when:

• Vaginal bleeding is severe and interferes with your daily activities.
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding does not respond to other treatments and anemia develops because of blood loss.
• Other problems are found or suspected, including:
  • Endometrial hyperplasia.
  • Uterine fibroids.
  • Endometriosis.
  • Uterine prolapse.
  • Gynecological cancers, such as cancer of the cervix, the ovary, or the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer).