Hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) by itself does not cause menopause. Menopause occurs when the ovaries, which produce hormones, are removed. If a hysterectomy involves the removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy), the patient will enter surgical menopause. However, if only the uterus is removed, the individual will not experience menopausal symptoms, even though they will stop menstruating, because their ovaries will continue to function. The primary factor determining whether a woman enters menopause is the presence and function of her ovaries.