The ovaries are the female reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. After menopause, the ovaries stop releasing eggs and produce lower levels of these hormones.
Menopause typically begins between the ages of 45-55. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years when menstrual periods permanently stop. This occurs because the ovaries run out of viable eggs. Along with this, they make much less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Changes in the Ovaries
After menopause, the ovaries:
- Shrink in size. The ovaries practically shrink to about half their original size after menopause.
- Have very low hormone production. With no viable eggs left, the ovaries produce minimal estrogen and progesterone. This drop in hormones causes menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.
- Develop benign cysts. Many postmenopausal ovaries develop small, harmless fluid-filled cysts. These cysts often disappear on their own.
So in summary,
the main change is the ovaries stop functioning as reproductive glands and shrink in size due to low hormonal output. Despite this decline in function, the ovaries still play a vital health role after menopause.
Ongoing Health Functions
Though subdued, the postmenopausal ovaries continue to:
- Produce small amounts of androgens like testosterone that support energy levels, sex drive, bone density, and more
- Provide anchor points for pelvic organ support through connective tissue
- May still develop cysts that warrant monitoring
Surgical Menopause Impact
Surgical menopause occurs if the ovaries are removed (oophorectomy) before natural menopause:
- Causes sudden dramatic drop in estrogen/progesterone levels
- Often induces more severe menopause symptoms
- Increases long-term health risks like bone loss and heart disease
So retaining the ovaries until natural menopause onset helps maintain crucial hormonal function.
At
Renew Hormone Therapy, we specialize in helping women navigate peri/post-menopause through:
- Hormone testing & replacement therapy
- Menopause symptom treatment plans
- Lifestyle guidance for optimizing health
Our compassionate practitioners provide personalized care plans to meet the unique needs of each mature woman we treat. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation.
In summary, after menopause the ovaries:
- Shrink substantially in size
- Nearly cease reproduction function
- Have very low estrogen/progesterone output
- Still produce small amounts of androgens
- Provide structural support for the pelvis
So while the ovaries decline with age, they still serve necessary health functions beyond reproductive capacity. Managing postmenopausal health often benefits from professional support like that offered by
Renew Hormone Therapy to help ease this transition.