Women who undergo hysterectomy because of uterine conditions do not necessarily need ovarian removal. Ovarian removal at a hysterectomy prevents ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and ovarian cancers in the future. If you keep your ovaries at the time of a hysterectomy you are more likely to undergo ovarian removal surgery in the future.
The granulosa cells of the ovary make something called AMH, Anti Mullerian Hormone.
The true function of AMH is not exactly known, but it does have a role in making eggs healthier. Men actually test positive for AMH as well, and even less is known about that.
Because of this important fertility function, when a woman’s AMH goes to zero her ovaries are not fertile, and even very low levels do correlate with less fertility. Low levels also corelated with moving into menopause.
Women with a uterus typically rely on the presence of their last period to determine whether they have passed into menopause. Blood testing the level of estrogen, of testosterone, FSH (pituitary hormone), or AMH to determine the presence of menopause in women who have had hysterectomy but kept at least one ovary.
AMH and hormone levels do vary for different reasons, and aren’t completely aligned with each other, but it would give you and your gynecologist a hormonal reason to help you understand your ovarian age.
Come in for consultation if you have questions of your hormonal levels.
