Researchers Find That Ovaries Remain Biologically Active After Menopause

Menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles and reproductive function, but it does not necessarily mean that all ovarian biological activity stops. In the reported study, researchers examined 28 ovaries collected from women within 25 years after menopause. They found differences in protein patterns between younger and older postmenopausal tissue, including changes involving tissue maintenance, immune activity, inflammation and tissue remodelling. The research also identified similarities between some molecular patterns associated with ovarian ageing and proteins previously linked to ovarian cancer. This does not mean that normal ageing causes ovarian cancer, nor does it show that every postmenopausal woman is at high risk. The tissue examined appeared normal and cancer-free, and the findings require further investigation. The work could help scientists understand why ovarian tissue changes with age and whether particular biological markers might eventually support improved risk assessment or earlier diagnosis. It is not evidence that healthy ovaries should be removed after menopause. Postmenopausal women should seek medical evaluation for persistent abdominal swelling, pelvic pain, feeling full unusually quickly, or new urinary symptoms. These symptoms can have many causes, but persistent or unexplained changes should not be ignored.