"It's like being thrown off a cliff with no parachute"
Early menopause impacts 1 in every 100 women under 40, but current guidelines are outdated and leave women in surgical menopause without the aftercare needed. One Sheffield Facebook group are amongst those asking for change.
When housing officer Cheryl Bagshaw went into hospital for a hysterectomy to relieve her premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), she thought her world would change for the better.
This condition had troubled her since she was a teenager, causing severe emotional and physical symptoms before every period, so trading this for a keyhole operation felt like the golden ticket she'd been waiting for.
But her life was about to change beyond her expectations.
She went into surgical menopause.
Cheryl Bagshaw, founder of the S12 menopause support group. Credit: Cheryl Bagshaw
Cheryl Bagshaw, founder of the S12 menopause support group. Credit: Cheryl Bagshaw
The mum-of-four, 42, of Frecheville, said: "It’s like being thrown off a cliff with no parachute. I went from having hormones to none overnight with no support from the consultant who sent me on my way.
“I swapped one terrible condition for another. I don't regret my operation, but I didn’t realise the lack of support for surgical menopause.”
Months on from her ordeal, Ms Bagshaw decided to use her experiences to support others through a Facebook group. It's reached almost 500 members and shows no signs of stopping.
Interview with Cheryl Bagshaw, founder of the S12 menopause support group
But what is surgical menopause?
According to Daisy Network, the only registered charity for early menopause, surgical menopause can cause premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).
POI affects women under 40 and occurs when ovaries stop working properly. In 90% of cases this happens randomly, but sometimes surgery or cancer can cause sudden hormonal loss.
Surgical menopause specifically occurs when ovaries are removed causing women to ‘crash’ as hormones drop.
Amy Bennie, chair of Daisy Network. Credit: Amy Bennie
Amy Bennie, chair of Daisy Network. Credit: Amy Bennie
Chair of Daisy Network, Amy Bennie, 32, of Whitley Bay, said: “POI is really difficult. It can cause infertility, brain fog, depression and other mental health conditions.
“One of the worst parts is loneliness. Women with POI don’t fit in anywhere. They can’t talk to friends in their 20s and 30s who aren’t going through it, but they also don’t fit in with women in their 50s who are in natural menopause.”
This lack of distinction between natural and unnatural menopause is one of the biggest problems both in public understanding and healthcare support.
This is echoed by Kayleigh Kinney, 37, and Sophie Watkins, 37, from patient-led organisation Together in Surgical Menopause.
They said: “Surgical menopause is very sudden compared to natural. The symptoms can be intense and difficult to navigate both in the workplace and at home.”
Kayleigh Kinney (right) and Sophie Watkins (left) from Together in Surgical Menopause. Credit: Together in Surgical Menopause
Kayleigh Kinney (right) and Sophie Watkins (left) from Together in Surgical Menopause. Credit: Together in Surgical Menopause
For Ms Bagshaw, these feelings are all too familiar and three days after surgery, she had every symptom possible.
She said: “I thought this will be brilliant, no more periods or PMDD, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. It was like being in a car crash.
“The lack of support was horrendous.”
The S12 Facebook Support Group
After being denied HRT until after 8 weeks, Ms Bagshaw went private. But the knowledge gained throughout her struggles wasn't wasted.
She said: “It really is a postcode lottery. I’ve had amazing support from my GP, but some women don’t have that and can’t afford to go private either.
“After attending zoom calls with Together in Surgical Menopause, I thought I’m really not alone and I wanted to give back.”
That’s how the S12 Facebook group started. The private page allows women to share their experiences with no membership criteria. They can chat, seek advice and meet-up. Healthcare workers, including Hannah Smail from Birley Health Centre, also help answer questions.
The group has grown since February 2022 with GPs directing women to the network if they’re struggling.
Group member and training consultant, Jo Carr, 54, of Woodseats, said: “I went through menopause at 38 after having my last child. I didn’t have ‘typical’ symptoms and because of my age, my GP said it was depression.
“It’s incredible how overlooked women are in the health system, but Cheryl’s group has been my lifeline.”
This sentiment is echoed by the owner of New Healthy Body, Clare Ward, who started experiencing perimenopause symptoms last year like forgetfulness.
Ms Ward, 42, of Frecheville, said: “I was putting on an act in front of people. I just wasn’t my normal self.
“I’ve known Cheryl for years and her group has been fantastic - She’s a true friend.”
Some of the menopause products recommended by Cheryl and the S12 support group
S12 support group member Clare Ward
S12 support group member Clare Ward
What needs to change?
The NHS use NICE guidelines, but these cater towards ‘natural’ menopause with no post-operational support for surgical. The guidelines also overlook women with hormone sensitivities or those, like Ms Bagshaw, who can’t absorb HRT through patches or gels so need expensive implants.
The Surgical Menopause Campaign wants updated guidelines with provision for surgical menopause and more medical training.
Campaign lead, Gemma Banks, said: “I can’t stand the thought of younger generations going through what we’ve been through.
“If a woman is in crisis with no hormones, they’re put on the same waiting list as women in ‘natural’ menopause. It’s unbelievable.”
Ms Banks is particularly concerned about the trauma women face when left without HRT. In one case, she recalls a woman left without support who couldn’t afford private healthcare.
Interview with Gemma Banks, the Surgical Menopause Campaign lead
Alongside physical symptoms, surgical menopause can lead to marital breakdown and women leaving work. Although some MPs are pushing for workplace support, Together in Surgical Menopause believe outdated attitudes remain.
The organisation said: “Many medical professionals just don't get it. For example, a 29-year-old woman without ovaries shouldn’t have the same treatment guidelines as a 49-year-old woman in natural menopause with ovaries. It makes no sense.”
Although more training could be needed, physician associate Hannah Smail understands the complexity of making that happen.
Ms Smail, 32, from Wickersley, said: “Cheryl’s group is incredible and whilst the NHS has great menopause clinics, there really isn’t enough support for surgical menopause.
“We love opportunities to learn, and more training would be brilliant, but we’re under huge pressure.”
What does the future look like?
Ms Bagshaw hopes the Facebook group will continue to thrive, but more education on early menopause is needed for younger women.
Her top tips are to research and be confident in asking for HRT if it could be beneficial.
The Surgical Menopause Campaign has 1,304 signatures, but more support is needed to push for change.
Sign the petition here
For more information visit the Daisy Network website or Together in Surgical Menopause here
Join the S12 Facebook page here
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