The ovaries are a pair of small, almond-shaped organs located on each side of the uterus. They are responsible for producing eggs and the hormones estrogen and progesterone. After menopause, which usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, a woman's ovaries stop releasing eggs and producing most of their hormones. However, the ovaries do still serve several important functions after menopause:
- The ovaries continue to produce hormones, although at much lower levels than before menopause. They secrete small amounts of androgens, including testosterone, which plays a role in libido and body composition. The ovaries also produce estrogen and progesterone, which help maintain bone density. So the ovaries are not completely inactive after menopause.
- The ovaries help maintain bone density. The small amounts of estrogen they produce can help prevent excessive bone loss. Bone density tends to decline more rapidly in women who have their ovaries surgically removed before natural menopause.
- They play a role in cognition and memory. Removing the ovaries before menopause has been associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. This suggests ovarian hormones support brain health.
- The ovaries aid in cardiovascular health. Studies show ovary removal increases a woman's risk for cardiovascular disease. The estrogen produced by the ovaries helps protect heart health by maintaining good cholesterol levels.
- The ovaries are thought to support healthy aging overall. Women who keep their ovaries until at least age 65 tend to live longer than women who have an ovariectomy at a younger age. This longevity benefit is not seen when the uterus alone is removed.
So while the ovaries are no longer essential for fertility after menopause, they do seem to provide lifelong benefits related to hormone production, bone, brain, heart, and healthy lifespan. Some key functions include:
- Producing small amounts of hormones
- Helping maintain bone density
- Supporting cognition and memory
- Providing cardiovascular benefits
- Contributing to healthy longevity
Many women consider ovary removal (oophorectomy) at the time of hysterectomy for conditions like uterine fibroids. However, it's usually best to retain the ovaries for their lifelong health benefits if possible. Some gynecologists now advocate for a staged approach, removing the uterus but delaying ovary removal until at least age 65 unless medically necessary.
The benefits of keeping the ovaries after menopause depends partly on continued ovarian hormone production. Lifestyle factors like quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy BMI, and getting adequate vitamin D and calcium also support postmenopausal health. Hormone therapy is an option for relieving severe menopause symptoms and protecting long-term health if the ovaries are removed or their hormone output declines prematurely.
At Balance Hormone Clinic, we offer customized bioidentical hormone therapy including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA to help women regain hormonal balance after menopause or ovary removal. Our experienced physicians and nurse practitioners take the time to evaluate your symptoms, health history, and hormone levels. We tailor treatment to your unique needs with careful monitoring to maximize benefits and minimize risks. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation. We're here to support your health during this transition.
In summary, while the ovaries' major job of egg production ends at menopause, they do still serve meaningful purposes throughout a woman's later years. Their lifelong benefits for bone, brain, heart, and healthy longevity make a strong case for preserving them when possible. With an individualized approach, hormone therapy can relieve symptoms and help you continue thriving in the second half of life.
