This article is for educational and general wellness purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are noticing changes in your body or have questions about your health, please consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider.

What happens to your hormones after a hysterectomy? It's a question a lot of women don't get a straight answer to — and the research is genuinely interesting.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism looked at androgen levels in postmenopausal women, comparing those who still had their ovaries to those who had undergone bilateral oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries). The researchers found that the postmenopausal ovary continues to produce androgens — including testosterone — well into older age.

For women who had their ovaries removed, the study observed a sustained reduction in both total and bioavailable testosterone across all age groups studied. The researchers noted that these differences may be meaningful for long-term health, and called for further investigation into what they mean for women navigating this stage of life.

The study also examined what the research literature had found about androgens and their relationship to various aspects of postmenopausal health — a complex picture that the researchers concluded warrants continued study, particularly around the question of how androgen levels change and what that may mean over time.

The takeaway from this research, as the authors framed it: the ovaries continue doing important hormonal work long after menopause, which is worth understanding — whether you still have yours, or you've had them removed.

Want to dig into the original? It's worth a read.
Link: https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/85/2/645/2854045