In adult females, the ovaries are the primary source of the sex hormones, including estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone. Two secondary sources of sex hormones are fat, which releases estrone (a type of estrogen), and the adrenal glands, which produce progesterone, as well as estradiol and estriol (types of estrogen). Although these other areas of your body produce small amounts of these hormones, the vast majority is produced in the ovaries.

Therefore, after the removal of your ovaries, you will experience a huge reduction in the amounts of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in your body. It is a huge reduction in estrogen that causes most menopausal symptoms.

Accreditation: Dr Louise Newson, The Menopause Doctor. and SMAC member.

Visit www.iapmd.org/surgery for lots of evidence-based information and resources for those considering, going through or recovering from surgery for PMDD/PME.