Surgical menopause results in lower levels of which hormone compared to women with intact ovaries?

Surgical menopause occurs when both ovaries are surgically removed, leading to a significant decrease in the production of hormones typically synthesized by the ovaries. Among these hormones, testosterone is produced in smaller amounts by the ovaries in addition to being synthesized in peripheral tissues. Women with intact ovaries maintain higher levels of testosterone due to continued ovarian function.

In contrast, after the removal of the ovaries, the body experiences a drastic reduction in testosterone production, resulting in lower levels compared to women who have not undergone this procedure. This decline can contribute to various physical and psychological changes associated with menopause, including decreased libido and mood swings.

Other hormones, such as estrone and progesterone, are also affected by surgical menopause; however, testosterone is specifically recognized for its notable drop from the levels produced by the intact ovaries, making it the most relevant answer in this context. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a marker for ovarian reserve and is not typically associated with the immediate hormonal changes following surgical menopause.

Overall, this understanding highlights the critical impact of surgical menopause on hormone levels, particularly testosterone.