Reproductive hormone levels in gynecologic oncology patients undergoing surgical castration after spontaneous menopause

Androgen Levels in Adult Females: Changes with Age, Menopause, and Oophorectomy

“…Reductions in T and androstenedione have been demonstrated after oophorectomy (11,12), although more recently, Couzinet et al (13) reported that the postmenopausal ovary is not a source of significant androgen production. This study indicates lower levels of total and free T, but not DHEAS or androstenedione, among older postmenopausal women with previous bilateral oophorectomy, suggesting ongoing ovarian production of androgens many years beyond the time of natural menopause.…”

Testosterone replacement increases vasodilatory reserve in androgen-deficient female rats

“…Oophorectomy is a good model of androgen deficiency in female rats because circulating T levels decline approximately 80%, compared with a 50% decline with oophorectomy in human beings (15)(16)(17). Implantation of timerelease pellets led to supraphysiological T levels, which were comparable to those of surgically menopausal women who were treated with the T patch (2).…”

Testosterone Supplemental Therapy after Hysterectomy with or without Concomitant Oophorectomy: Estrogen Alone Is Not Enough

“…[34][35][36] Within a few days to a few weeks of surgery, women whose ovaries have been surgically removed or compromised can develop dramatic symptoms of both estrogen and testosterone deficiency. 49,50 Supplementary estrogen is often prescribed, but estrogen cannot adequately address symptoms of loss of sexual libido and response 14 and diminished sense of well-being. 6,[10][11]14 Although it is not possible to recreate a woman's natural hormonal tapestry exactly, supplying her with supplemental testosterone to physiological levels can be of substantial help in restoring her to some familiar level of sexual and other well-being.…”