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Related Experiment Videos

Endocrine function of the postmenopausal ovary.

C Longcope1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655-0321, USA. christopher.longcope@umassmed.edu

Journal of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation
|February 27, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Postmenopausal ovaries primarily contain stromal cells that respond to gonadotropins and secrete androgens and estrogens. Some ovaries also produce estradiol, but evidence for inhibin secretion is limited.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Gynecology

Background:

  • Ovarian function significantly changes after menopause.
  • Postmenopausal ovaries are smaller and composed mainly of stromal cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the functional characteristics of postmenopausal ovaries.
  • To determine the secretory capacity of ovarian stromal cells in postmenopausal women.

Main Methods:

  • Histological examination of ovarian tissue.
  • Analysis of hormone receptor expression.
  • Measurement of hormone secretion by ovarian cells.

Main Results:

  • Postmenopausal ovaries consist primarily of stromal cells with gonadotropin receptors.

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  • These stromal cells secrete testosterone and other androgens, as well as estrogens.
  • Estradiol secretion occurs in some postmenopausal ovaries containing P-450 aromatase.
  • Little evidence supports the secretion of inhibins A or B by postmenopausal ovaries.

    • Conclusions:

    • Postmenopausal ovaries retain endocrine activity, primarily through stromal cells.
    • Stromal cells are a source of androgens and estrogens after menopause.
    • The role of postmenopausal ovaries in inhibin production appears minimal.