Woman without both ovaries do not menstruate, because with the withdrawal of the ovaries, the woman stops producing some hormones that stimulate the inner layer of the uterus (endometrium). Without this stimulus, the endometrium does not thicken and does not peel, so there is no menstruation.
However, if the woman has just an ovary she continues to ovulate and produce the hormones, so menstruate and remains fertile, and can become pregnant normally.
The surgical procedure to remove one or both ovaries is called the oophorectomy. When surgery involves the removal of both ovaries, it is called bilateral oophorectomy. When the procedure involves withdrawing only one ovary, it is called unilateral oophorectomy.
Women who are not yet in menopause and have to undergo bilateral oophorectomy face a premature menopause, which abruptly reduces the levels of the hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
The abrupt decrease in levels of these hormones can have some consequences, such as:
- Heat waves, mood changes, irritability, sleep pattern change;
- Vaginal dryness, discomfort in sexual intercourse;
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, hip fracture, and dementia.
For further information, the woman should talk to the gynecologist or general practitioner or family doctor.
