The ovaries are a crucial part of the female reproductive system. They produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone that regulate the menstrual cycle and reproductive functions. After menopause, the ovaries stop releasing eggs and producing most of their hormones. This leads to symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and changes in mood.
Menopause typically begins between ages 45-55 when hormone levels decline naturally. It is diagnosed after 12 months of no menstrual periods. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause when periods become irregular as ovulation declines.
After menopause, the ovaries shrink and produce lower amounts of estrogen and progesterone. They do still release androgens like testosterone. The remaining ovarian tissue is mostly made up of tough, fibrous, connective tissue.
Some key changes include:
So in summary, after menopause the ovaries mostly retire from their duties - egg release declines, hormone production drops substantially, atrophy occurs, and cysts can begin forming in the leftover tissue. The remaining ovarian stroma still secretes limited androgens.
Since the shift in ovarian function is behind menopause symptoms, it's important to understand how the transition unfolds.
Common experiences include:
Hormone therapy can provide relief by stabilizing estrogen levels. Local vaginal estrogen treats genitourinary symptoms effectively if women don't want systemic treatment.
Making lifestyle adjustments can also ease the transition:
Our hormone specialists at Optimal Hormone Wellness Center can analyze your hormone blood tests to determine if you could benefit from bioidentical hormone therapy for a more comfortable menopause transition. Reagan. Mention this post to claim your consultation!
For most women, disruptive hot flashes subside within five years as hormone levels stabilize. However, menopause marks the end of fertility - spontaneous pregnancy no longer occurs because ovarian function has ceased permanently. Any residual benign cysts tend to shrink so the ovaries return to an even smaller, smoother state.
For some, the ovaries can remain a source of disease decades after menopause. Medical conditions like endometriosis or cancer may persist or grow slowly before causing issues again much later in life. Ovarian remnant syndrome also prompts recurring cyclic pelvic pain if ovarian tissue is left behind after surgeries like hysterectomy.
By age 75, the ovaries complete their transformation into shrunken bands of fibrous tissue devoid of eggs or functioning follicles. They leave behind a legacy of offspring thanks to several fertile decades. The remaining ovarian tissue may still churn out limited androgens until a woman's final years, but estrogen and progesterone creation grinds permanently to a halt until hormone therapy resumes the supply. Ultimately the ovary's lifespan matches close pace with our own - we fade into old age together.
