What type of menopause occurs as a result of the surgical removal of ovaries?

Surgical menopause refers specifically to the cessation of menstruation and the end of ovarian function that occurs as a direct result of the surgical removal of the ovaries, a procedure known as oophorectomy. When the ovaries are removed, there is an immediate drop in the production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, leading to menopause symptoms that can occur rather abruptly compared to natural menopause, which typically happens gradually over several years due to the aging process.

In contrast, natural menopause is a biological process that occurs as a woman ages, involving a slow decline in ovarian function. Premature menopause describes menopause that occurs before the age of 40 due to other underlying health conditions or genetic factors, while artificial menopause is a term that more broadly encompasses menopause induced by medical interventions such as hormonal treatments, but is not as specific as surgical menopause. Thus, the defining characteristic of surgical menopause is its direct link to the surgical removal of the ovaries, making this the most appropriate choice in the context of the question.