Menopause, Possible Causes. Your Questions Answered by Internal Specialist, Dr. Mera

MENOPAUSE CAUSES

Surgery to remove the ovaries (oophorectomy). The ovaries produce hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, that regulate the menstrual cycle. Surgery to remove the ovaries causes immediate menopause. Menstrual periods stop and you are likely to have hot flashes, as well as other signs and symptoms of menopause. Signs and symptoms can be severe, as these hormonal changes occur abruptly rather than progressively appearing over several years.

In general, hysterectomy (which removes the uterus, but not the ovaries), does not cause menopause right away. Even though you no longer have menstrual periods, your ovaries still release eggs and continue to produce estrogen and progesterone.