In the literature, natural menopause and surgical menopause have been addressed together or only natural menopause in terms of depression, anxiety, menopause symptoms, sexuality or knowledge level and attitudes, but research addressing surgical menopause is limited.
This study was conducted to evaluate menopausal symptoms and sexual functions in women who entered menopause as a result of surgical intervention.

This descriptive and correlationseeking study was conducted with 43 women who had hysterectomy and/or bilateral salpingooophorectomy surgery at the Training and Research Hospital affiliated with the Ministry of Health between 01.11.2023 and 01.05.2024. Research data were collected using the "Introductory Information Form", "Menopause Symptom Assessment Scale (MSDS)", "Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)", at least two weeks before surgery and 6-8 days after surgery. It
was collected through face-to-face meetings over weeks. The data were analyzed in a statistical package program.

It was determined that the average age of menopausal women was 45,510±2,694 (Min=40; Max=49), the MSDS total average score was 9,861±4,357, and the women participating in the study experienced low-level symptoms and had the most psychological and the least somatic complaints. A significant difference was found between age, smoking and alcohol consumption, and gynecological surgery history and MSDS scores. MSDS total scores were found to be lower in women with a history of chronic disease. The mean FSFI score of menopausal women before surgery was 25.570±8.814 and the mean FSFI score after surgery was 20.277±8.258, and a significant decrease was observed after surgery (p<0.05). It was observed that there was a moderate negative relationship between FSFI postoperative scores and MSDS scores.

As a result of the findings obtained;
• Raising awareness among women about reducing complaints related to menopause symptoms in women undergoing surgical menopause,
• Supporting women in implementing healthy lifestyle behaviors and ensuring their continuity,
•  Developing training for nurses on menopause and sexual health to help women adapt to menopause and achieve well-being,
• Including training to raise awareness about menopause in routine nursing care,
• Encouraging women to talk about sexual problems and providing an environment where they can talk comfortably,
• Informing health professionals about the problems experienced by women during menopause is recommended.

As a result of the study, it was determined in all subdimensions of FSFI there was a decrease in women after surgical menopause.

Mahajan, N., Kumar, D., & Fareed, P., 2016, Comparison of menopausal symptoms and quality of life after natural and surgical menopause. International Journal of Scientific Study, 3(11), 74-77.
Cagnacci, A., Venier, M., Xholli, A., Paglietti, C., Caruso, S. (2019). Female sexuality and vaginal health across the menopausal age, Menopause, 27(1).
Nappi RE, Albani F, Santamaria V, Tonani S, Magri F, Martini E, et al., 2010, Hormonal and psycho-relational aspects of sexual function during menopausal transition and at early menopause, Maturitas, 67:78–83.