Sleeping Ovaries

I've read a quite a few posts regarding Ovaries not awake yet. What exactly does that mean?

My doctor said that he "bumped" my ovaries around a bit in surgery and they may not function like normal for awhile. In my case that looks like me feeling weepy and unusually emotional. But I wonder if the trauma of the surgery made your ovaries stop functioning for awhile?

I have to have lupron shots to take my ovaries out of commission.


I will be interested in the responses you get to this question.

Be well

During a hysterectomy, not only do the ovaries get bumped about, they also lose their main blood supply. Here is a diagram that might help explain: Ovarian Blood Supply. If you look at the diagram on the bottom you'll see that most women's ovaries receive a significant source of blood from the uterine artery. That artery is not longer there to supply blood after a hysterectomy. The ovaries have to re-establish their blood supply to function optimally, and that may take a few weeks. Until then, it is not uncommon that women who keep their ovaries get some symptoms of menopause. When that blood supply is re-established, the ovaries "wake up" and the menopause symptoms should improve. Hope this helps!

Fascinating! Thanks for this

Week 2 I experienced hot flashes. Nearing week 3, I am quite emotional. UGH! C'mon ovaries...WAKE UP!!

Thank you all for your responses. Special thanks to Elsie 1122 Very Informative...Love the Diagram.

I only have 1 ovary & started having menopause symptoms @ 10 days post op. I went off estrogen patch @ 6 weeks to see if ovary was awake yet & had severe symptoms. I had bloodwork done & my ovary is functioning but @ lower level & thyroid is fine. I am back on patch trying to get adjusted. I have read it can take up to 6 months for them to wake up & they may never wake up!