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

Surgical menopause typically occurs when a woman undergoes a hysterectomy that includes the removal of the ovaries. This procedure leads to an abrupt decline in the levels of hormones produced by the ovaries, primarily estrogen (in the form of estradiol and estrone) and progesterone. Additionally, testosterone is also produced by the ovaries in women, albeit in smaller amounts compared to estrogen.

When the ovaries are removed, the synthesis of testosterone is significantly reduced. Normal ovarian function contributes to the maintenance of testosterone levels, which are important for various bodily functions, including libido and overall well-being. Therefore, compared to women with intact ovaries, those who experience surgical menopause will exhibit lower levels of testosterone due to the lack of ovarian production.

As for the other hormones listed, estrone and progesterone levels are indeed diminished following the removal of the ovaries, but they are primarily understood in the context of ovarian function and hormonal cycles. AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is associated with ovarian reserve and is typically low after surgical menopause, but its relationship with immediate hormone levels post-surgery is different compared to the more commonly understood reductions in testosterone. This is why testosterone is the most straightforward choice in the context of surgical menopause and