A common misconception is that all ovarian hormone production completely ceases after menopause. While the ovaries stop producing the high levels of estrogen and progesterone needed for the menstrual cycle, studies have shown that they remain hormonally active, particularly by producing androgens. This production can persist for decades, with significant levels still being detected in women up to age 80.
The Role of Postmenopausal Ovaries
After the final menstrual period, the primary hormones produced by the ovaries shift. Instead of estradiol, the predominant hormones become androstenedione and testosterone, both types of androgens. These androgens are crucial because they serve as precursors for estrone, a weaker form of estrogen. The conversion of androgens to estrone occurs outside the ovaries in peripheral tissues, primarily in adipose (fat) tissue, muscle, and skin. This continuous, low-level hormone production from the ovaries and other tissues plays a protective role in postmenopausal health.
Androgen Production and Its Effects
The production of androgens in postmenopausal ovaries has important health implications. In naturally menopausal women, these androgen levels are significantly higher than in women who have undergone a bilateral oophorectomy (surgical removal of the ovaries). Evidence from studies shows that removing the ovaries can lead to a more pronounced decline in androgen levels, affecting aspects such as bone density and cardiovascular health. The continued presence of ovarian-produced androgens and their conversion to estrogen is a natural process that helps mitigate some long-term health risks associated with a complete and sudden loss of ovarian hormones.
The Health Benefits of Ovarian Conservation
Multiple studies have explored the benefits of retaining the ovaries in postmenopausal women, especially during a hysterectomy. One study found that women who had a bilateral oophorectomy after age 50 had a significantly higher risk of a first myocardial infarction (heart attack) compared to women who retained their ovaries. Another study noted that postmenopausal women who underwent an oophorectomy had a 54% higher rate of osteoporotic fractures, highlighting the ovary's long-term protective effect on bone health through its sustained hormone production.
A comparison of ovarian function in different postmenopausal scenarios
| Feature | Naturally Postmenopausal (Intact Ovaries) | Surgically Menopausal (Oophorectomy) |
|---|---|---|
| Hormone Profile | Produces androstenedione and testosterone; these are converted peripherally to estrone. | Significantly lower levels of androstenedione and testosterone. |
| Estrogen Source | Primarily from the peripheral conversion of ovarian and adrenal androgens. | Primarily from the peripheral conversion of adrenal androgens only. |
| Effect on Bone Health | Androgens contribute to inhibiting bone resorption and increasing bone formation, offering protective benefits. | Associated with a higher rate of osteoporotic fractures compared to women with intact ovaries. |
| Effect on Cardiovascular Health | Retention of the ovaries is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to surgical removal. | Associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, especially when performed early. |
| Timeframe of Production | Ovarian androgen production can continue until at least age 80. | Cessation of ovarian hormone production is immediate following surgery. |
Factors Affecting Hormone Production in Older Age
While the postmenopausal ovary continues to produce hormones, the output is not static. Various factors, including overall health, genetics, and body composition, can influence hormone levels. For example, research has shown that obesity can lead to higher estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, as adipose tissue is a key site for converting androgens into estrone. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and stress management can help support optimal adrenal and peripheral hormone production, which becomes more important as ovarian function naturally wanes. Ongoing research also explores potential pharmacological strategies to delay or modulate ovarian aging, aiming to extend the health benefits associated with continued ovarian function into older age.
The Role of Other Tissues
After menopause, the adrenal glands, which sit atop the kidneys, also become a significant source of androgens, such as androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). These adrenal androgens also contribute to the peripheral production of estrogen in fat tissue, providing a crucial hormonal backup system. This extragonadal hormone production means that a woman's body never completely lacks estrogen, even in postmenopause. This complex interplay of hormones from the ovaries, adrenal glands, and adipose tissue is essential for understanding women's health beyond the reproductive years.
Conclusion
To conclude, the answer to "do ovaries produce hormones after age 75?" is a definitive yes, but the type and quantity of hormones change significantly. While high-level estrogen and progesterone production ceases with menopause, the ovaries continue to produce androgens, such as androstenedione and testosterone, often well into the 70s and even 80s. These hormones are vital as they are converted in fatty tissue into a form of estrogen. This continued endocrine function provides important health benefits, particularly in protecting against osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. The hormonal landscape in older women is a collaborative effort between the postmenopausal ovaries, the adrenal glands, and other peripheral tissues, all contributing to overall health and well-being. Based on information from a study by Oxford Academic, this androgen production can persist for more than 10 years after menopause.
