The rest of the estrogen comes from androgen produced in the adrenal gland which is converted in our fat stores to make estrogen. So when the ovaries shut down or are removed, we still make about 40 percent of our estrogen but have symptoms as we try to adjust to the lower levels. Surgical menopause is much more intense than natural menopause. Within two to three days of removing the ovaries, there is a dramatic fall in estrogen which may trigger mood swings, hot flashes and night sweats. In addition, the rapid loss of androgens can lead to depression, lack of energy, insomnia, nervousness and a decreased sense of well being.
Surgical menopause is treated much like natural menopause.
Taking estrogen can be especially important for women with surgical menopause as they often have many more years of estrogen deprivation. Women with surgical menopause are also more likely to suffer from androgen deprivation, which can be treated with testosterone. When testosterone is added to estrogen the main benefits are psychological with improved mood, greater sense of well being and increased libido. The estrogen patch is an excellent way of delivering the hormone, but you may need something more. Talk to your doctor to see if testosterone could help.