Ovaries during menopause: possible pathologies of this organ

The period of menopause is a significant stage in the life of any representative of the fairer sex. At this time, a complex of global changes occurs, which often cause a lot of anxiety and discomfort. These changes affect all areas of the female body, but especially pronounced changes occur in the woman’s reproductive organs, in particular in the ovaries. After all, it is here that processes take place aimed at achieving the main goal of menopausal changes - the completion of reproductive function. What happens to the ovaries during menopause? Let's figure it out.

Norms and reasons for changes in ovarian size during menopause

The ovaries are the most important components of the reproductive system of the female body. They are located on the sides of the uterine organ, at the same symmetry relative to each other. In the cavity of these organs, the processes of maturation of eggs occur, their release from the follicular membranes and subsequent movement along the fallopian tube, where the moment of its meeting with the sperm and fertilization occurs. Due to the fact that pathological changes in the functionality of the ovaries can lead to serious changes in the body’s fertility and general health, the normal size of the ovaries during menopause plays an important role, especially with ultrasound of the pelvic organs.

Normal ovarian sizes during the fertile period

The size of the ovaries in a young and healthy female body in the fertile period can change under the influence of hormonal levels and general health. Also, the sizes of both ovaries can differ up to several millimeters in normal conditions. A sharp and disproportionate growth of the ovaries is evidence of the development of any neoplasm of various etiologies or an inflammatory process.

Indications of the size of these organs depend on a certain number of reasons that tend to influence the reproductive glands of women at various stages in the menstrual cycle.

For the most accurate examination of the condition of the ovaries and the correct determination of their size, ultrasound research methods are carried out on days 5-7 of menstruation. The main indicator that you should pay attention to is not the width and length of the ovaries, but the volume of their cavity. Judging by them, the development of a tumor-like neoplasm, cystic lesion, inflammation, or whether this is a normal condition is established.

Normal indicators of ovarian volume are considered:

volume readings from 4 and not more than 10 cm 3;
lengths – 21-36 mm;
width – 17-31mm;
thickness – 16-23 mm.

The range in ovarian normal indicators is quite large, so the data obtained from an ultrasound examination of the reproductive system cannot be the only basis for making an accurate diagnosis. This requires other diagnostic methods.

Sweating

A woman during menopause may suffer from excessive sweating, even if the climatic conditions are relatively favorable for her. The reason for this process is impaired thermoregulation, which most often worsens against the background of hormonal shifts. How to fight against such a problem?

Special diet. Eliminating as much salt as possible from the diet, drinking water in moderation, and avoiding foods based on simple carbohydrates, caffeine, spices, hot spices, and saturated fats. The main emphasis is on light protein foods, fruits and vegetables;
Wearing clothes and using natural-based materials as bedding;
Hormone replacement therapy prescribed by your doctor according to an individual regimen;
The use of hypoallergenic cosmetic protection products, preferably not deodorants, but gel or solid analogues;
If sweating is too strong, worsening the quality of life, and the above measures are not effective, weigh all the potential benefits and harms - regular Botox injections or removal of the sweat glands of the armpit.

Causes of changes occurring in the ovaries

Throughout the life of the female body, the ovaries tend to change slightly in size, which depends on:

age indicators;
number of births and abortions;
day of menstruation;
use of contraceptives containing hormonal substances;
taking hormonal medications.

With the onset of puberty, the ovaries begin to become involved in the functioning of the woman’s reproductive system and subsequently, within normal limits, can change in size. During pregnancy, these organs, under the influence of increased blood flow necessary to ensure adequate nutrition of the fetus, increase in size. Moreover, with the increasing period of pregnancy, the ovaries can change their location, since the growing uterine organ with its dimensions displaces all nearby organs and tissues to a certain level. The size of the woman’s gonads increases by a couple of millimeters, and the previously occurring ovulation processes cease during pregnancy. Instead, the ovaries begin to produce progesterones, which play a critical role in normal gestation and an easy delivery process.

With delivery, the size of the ovaries in an involutionary mode begins to decrease, along with the uterus.

The circulatory processes in the placenta stop, the speed of general blood flow decreases, which leads to a gradual return of the ovaries to their original form. This, in turn, leads to the resumption of estrogen production and the subsequent preparation of the female body for the full functioning of the entire reproductive organ system, if the woman does not feed her baby with breast milk. In the event that breastfeeding is still used, the restoration of the reproductive functionality of the reproductive system will occur only after the end of lactation processes in the mammary glands.

As women age, reproductive functionality begins to gradually fade away. This also affects the size of the ovaries, which begin to decrease at a leisurely pace. And by the period of premenopause, both glands become the same in all sizes.

The norm in the premenopausal stage of menopause is the following values of ovarian size:

In a volume from 1.5 to 4 cm3;
Length – from 20-25 mm;
Width – 12-15 mm;
Thickness: 9-12mm.

The first two to three years of the postmenopausal period may be accompanied by the production of single follicles, despite the fact that there is no menstrual cycle. This explains the slight changes in size indicators in the ovaries.

Pathological causes of changes in the gonads

When determining the possible development of a pathological process, it is necessary to take into account the indications of the norm of the ovaries in the fertile period. Evidence of the onset of development of a pathological change is the size of the ovaries doubling two or more times.

When determining the volume of the ovaries, pathology includes their increase by 1.5-2 mm 3.

When determining such indications during an ultrasound examination of the reproductive system of organs in the female body, this may be evidence of the development of the following pathological processes:

Cystic lesions of the ovarian cavity with various etiologies and localizations.
The development of polycystic disease, that is, multiple formation of tiny cysts.
The appearance of benign neoplasms.
The appearance of neoplasms with a malignant course.
Development of metastases.
Hereditary factor or congenital pathological development of the reproductive organs.

The reason for urgent surgical intervention may be pathologies such as purulent inflammation of the ovaries in menopause or their torsion. With such a course of dysfunction of the genital organs, if timely surgery is not performed, then everything can become complicated to the point of irreversible damage or death.

The most dangerous pathological change for a woman’s life is oncological processes.

Cancer , localized in the organs of the reproductive system of the female body, ranks second among all causes leading to death, after cancer of the mammary glands. If an ultrasound specialist is able to discern the development of a cancerous tumor in the first stages of its development, then the woman has every chance to continue living, actively fighting against cancer. And sometimes even a full recovery is possible.
The clinical picture will be much worse if the malignant neoplasm reaches an impressive size and causes symptoms of metastases. Therefore, a timely ultrasound examination will help to promptly identify the pathology and take the necessary measures to eliminate it.

A sharp decrease in the size of the ovaries during the fertile period is also dangerous. Such changes in the ovaries are generally called premature menopause, since a woman’s gonads simply fade away and cease to perform their functionality in the reproductive performance of the female body. Such a pathological change can occur from 36 to 40 years. Moreover, the uterine organ begins to shrink, and the uterine walls become thinner; not a single follicle is observed in the ovaries themselves. Under the influence of these atrophic processes, natural menstruation stops. After which, after a short period of time, menopausal symptoms may begin to develop in the female body:

Increased sweating.
Psycho-emotional state disorder.
The appearance of insomnia.
A sharp decrease or gain of extra pounds.
Attacks of hot flashes and heat.

Possible reasons why the ovary is not visualized on ultrasound

In addition to menopause, flatulence, and improper preparation for diagnosis, there are other reasons why the ovary is not located:

congenital structural features of internal organs;
development of adhesions after inflammation of the appendages, surgery;
increased size of the uterus;
displacement of other organs.

Common reasons why the gland is not visible on ultrasound include:

Taking oral contraceptives.
Intestinal disorders.
Hormonal disbalance.
Anovulatory cycle.
Surgical interventions.

Taking oral contraceptives

If an ovary is not found on the ultrasound, you need to tell your doctor about taking birth control pills. The hormones included in their composition contribute to the inhibition of the functions of the gland. It is not visible on the monitor, and diagnosis cannot be considered an informative examination method.

Intestinal disorders

You should not overload your intestines before the examination. Overeating and consumption of gas-forming foods are a common reason for unreliable examination results and the reason why the gland is not visible.

Hormonal disbalance

If the ovary is not visualized on ultrasound, the reasons may be hormonal imbalance caused by stress, disruption of the endocrine system, or other concomitant diseases. The examination includes taking a number of hormones:

follicle-stimulating and luteinizing;
anti-Mullerian hormone;
prolactin;
estrogen;
"male" hormones.

Anovulatory cycle

Do not be surprised if the ovary is not visualized on ultrasound during an anovulatory cycle. The absence of the natural process of egg maturation indicates an imbalance of hormones. If anovulation is accompanied by weight gain, deterioration in the condition of the skin and hair is observed, and the gland is not visible for 2 months in a row, you should consult a gynecologist-endocrinologist.

Surgical interventions

Removal of the ovaries is a necessary necessity, and the patient, as a rule, is aware of the surgical procedures performed. In this case, the gland is not visualized, but this should not cause suspicion.

Another reason why organs are not visible is stress suffered during surgery. Even if the ovary is not removed, it may shrink and be no more than 0.5 cm in diameter.

Ovarian changes during menopause

Atrophic changes characteristic of the female body during the menopausal period also apply to these organs of the reproductive system.

The size of the ovaries decreases during menopause. Their structure also undergoes changes, during which hormone-secreting tissues begin to be replaced by connective tissues. The number of follicles is reduced, until they disappear completely.

The development of a functional cyst in menopause should not occur. All neoplasms that arise at this age are already referred to as tumors.

Taking into account the fact that after the age of 55, the likelihood of developing cancer in women increases several times, medical specialists should pay special attention to the state of a woman’s health during diagnostic testing during the menopausal period, especially her mammary glands and reproductive system.

Every woman, in turn, should not forget that the absence of a menstrual cycle does not mean that there cannot be problems with gynecological health.

Regular visits to the gynecological office (at least once every six months) will help eliminate the likelihood of developing many serious pathologies, even preventing the development of oncology to a stage that is no longer amenable to any treatment method.

Any cystic ovarian lesion in menopause should be treated with surgery to prevent complications.

Other symptoms of menopause

Typical manifestations of menopause also include the following symptoms:

Changes in posture and osteoporosis. Unpleasant problems with the musculoskeletal system develop gradually and are subject to effective treatment with timely consultation with a specialized specialist;
Dry eyes and skin. The structure of the epithelium and soft tissues changes rapidly with the onset of menopause. Hair falls out more actively and changes color, deep wrinkles appear, and the overall elasticity of the skin decreases. This process can be slowed down by switching to a healthy diet, using cosmetics with a pronounced therapeutic effect, and, if necessary, undergoing plastic surgery;
Frequent urination. The urinary system, which is connected by reverse processes to the reproductive system, is also susceptible to structural changes during menopause. Frequent urges at night, periodic infections, and other unpleasant pathologies will haunt a woman who does not care about preserving her own health. In most cases, to solve this problem, complex symptomatic drug therapy is recommended, as well as treatment of secondary background diseases, in parallel with taking hormonal drugs;
Frequent mood swings. Disturbed hormonal levels not only provoke the physical symptomatic manifestations of menopause, but also affect the psycho-emotional background of a woman. Frequent mood swings, stress, and depression caused by physiological changes significantly worsen the quality of life. The solution to such problems is not simple and unambiguous - the fair sex needs to rest more, be in the fresh air, and be able to relax. In severe cases, a woman will need the help of a psychologist and take an appropriate course; only in some cases can it be rational to take antidepressants.

Symptoms of pathological changes in the ovaries

The most insidious thing about the development of tumors in menopausal women is that they do not cause any clinical manifestations. And only sometimes (no more than 30%) can they make themselves felt with blurred manifestations, relating equally to neoplasms of both a malignant and benign nature.

In most cases, among those representatives of the fairer sex who ignore the need for regular examination by specialists, such diseases are detected only in the event of complications characterized by torsion or rupture of the ovary, or acute pain symptoms in the lower abdomen. Also, the increasing manifestation of ascites and symptoms of compression near located organs indicates the development of metastases against the background of the main pathological process.

Headache

Almost every representative of the fair sex during the onset of menopause and throughout menopause may suffer from headaches - most often the syndrome manifests itself as a typical migraine, which occurs periodically during wakefulness, psycho-emotional and physical stress, and also after sleep.

The nature of the pain syndrome described above is complex - in addition to changes in hormonal levels, vasoconstriction, high blood pressure, severe muscle fatigue in the neck and head, hypoxia or lack of oxygen play a negative role.

The structure of the syndrome itself can be either increasing and smooth, or abrupt, manifesting itself in the occipital or frontal lobes.

What actions should a woman take to neutralize pain?

Taking medications is non-narcotic painkillers, as well as hormonal pills on a natural or synthetic basis;
Careful planning of circadian rhythms with sufficient periods of sleep and rest;
Reducing physical and psycho-emotional stress;
If necessary, physiotherapy and referral to a medical specialist.

Diagnostic methods

Ultrasound diagnostics with an additional Doppler method of vascular condition will help you find out what is happening to the ovaries. The following may also be carried out:

CT scan;
Magnetic resonance imaging.

But these methods are expensive and are not particularly effective, which is why they are used much less frequently than conventional ultrasound.

Malignant neoplasms are distinguished by a number of characteristic manifestations that contribute to the detection of a cancerous tumor during ultrasound, these are:

increase in blood flow speed;
bilateral localization of the lesion;
polyp growth.

If an ultrasound examination reveals the presence of a neoplasm, a blood test is prescribed to determine the content of cancer markers. The obtained blood test results, in combination with ultrasound results, provide a more complete clinical picture, on the basis of which the subsequent treatment regimen is developed.

After surgical removal of a tumor in the ovaries, a histological examination of the extracted tissue is performed, on the basis of which a final diagnosis and further treatment are made.

Useful video on this topic:

Functions at different stages

The ovaries give a woman the chance to have children. These paired organs exist so that a follicle, and then a female reproductive cell, is regularly released from many. This happens every month from 12-14 to 45-55 years.

Naturally, not all germ cells are fertilized, and most cycles end with menstruation. The ovaries play an important role in this process of renewing the inner lining of the uterus.

In the first segment of the cycle, they synthesize estrogens, thanks to which the follicle matures. In the second, the corpus luteum, formed after the breakdown of the egg, secretes progesterone. Both of these substances act on the endometrium, allowing it to develop and eventually be rejected, replaced by a new one.

Ovaries and menopause

During menopause, the ovaries practically exhaust their potential. This begins a little earlier, in a period called premenopause. If in a young woman they consist of connective tissue and the cortex, which contains millions of follicles, then by the time they wither, the first begins to predominate.

The size of the organs changes, they seem to shrink. The sizes of the ovaries in menopause at the initial stage look like this:

Length 20-25 mm;
Width 12-15 mm;
Thickness 9-12 mm.

The longer the period of time since the last menstruation, the smaller these parameters are.

But the decrease and correspondence of the sizes of both organs to each other are characteristic of the later stage of menopause. The size of the ovaries during menopause changes over time as follows:

In the first year after the disappearance of menstruation, it will be 4.5 cubic centimeters;
After 5 years of absence of menstruation – 2.5;
After 10 years – 1.5.

And the weight of one organ by the age of 60 years of its owner decreases to 4 g, although at the age of 40 it was 9.5.

During menopause, follicles decrease in quantity and then disappear altogether. The ovaries become less susceptible to the effects of the pituitary hormones FSH and LH. Despite their high concentration, follicle maturation slows down and stops. They can still be detected at its initial stage. True, they will also be noticeably smaller in size than in their youth. Their size and a decrease in hormonal activity are due to the fact that functional cysts no longer appear on the organs.

How to make the ovaries work? Part 1

The main difference between the human female reproductive system and other animals is the limited ability to reproduce. A woman can only give birth until mid-life. Menopause is a human condition. Animals do not have it, with the exception of dolphins. The female body is unique.

During menopause, certain age-related changes occur in the ovary of a person that you need to be aware of. The female reproductive gland (Latin name - ovarium, ovarium) is a paired organ with a limited set of eggs, located near the fallopian tube, popularly often called the uterine appendage.

The processes occurring in the aging ovaries during menopause are described by doctor Natalya Malysheva.

Limited follicular reserve

During the period of embryonic development, a certain number of follicles are formed in the female reproductive glands, in which eggs will mature. Initially there are about 500 thousand of them. By the time the body matures, their number normally ranges from 25 to 50 thousand.

At puberty, eggs mature monthly in the follicles. By the age of 50–52, a woman’s supply of follicles in the ovaries normally runs out, and menopause occurs. Ovarian depletion before 45 years of age is called early ovarian aging syndrome.

In the human mind, there is a line between the aging of the body and its diseases. Disease is considered a random factor. Aging and menopause are considered to be a natural physiological process.

If the aging of the body occurs in a timely manner, gradually adapting to changes, it is called physiological.

If it occurs partially and is ahead of the level of aging of peers, it is called premature.

What happens to the ovaries as we age?

At a young age, the female reproductive gland consists of connective tissue, which contains blood and lymphatic vessels, as well as nerves, and of the cortex, in which follicles mature.

With age, connective tissue predominates, and thickening and sclerosis of the genital glands occurs. The number of follicles in the ovaries during menopause at the very beginning is minimal; later, in postmenopause, follicles are not normally visualized.

The size of the gonads changes accordingly.

In a woman of childbearing age, the average size of the ovary is:

length 2.5 – 5.0 cm;
width 1.5 – 3.0 cm;
thickness 0.5 – 1.5 cm;
weight 5 – 8 g.

These sizes may vary depending on individual characteristics, body condition and age.

Ovaries during menopause

The normal sizes of the ovaries in premenopause can be considered:

length 2.0 – 2.5 cm;
width 1.2 – 1.5 cm;
thickness 0.9 – 1.2 cm;
volume 1.5 – 4.0 cm3.

The average volume of the ovary by age is calculated for each decade of life

There is a statistically significant decrease in adnexal volume with each decade of life from 30 years to 70 years. The average size of the ovaries during menopause is significantly higher than in postmenopausal women. The upper limit of normal for ovarian volume is 20 cm3 in premenopausal women and normal postmenopausal ovaries can be up to a maximum of 10 cm3

The volume of the ovaries decreases during menopause. During the menopausal period, single follicles may still be produced, and climacteric ovarian dysfunction begins.

Causes of ovarian aging

There are many hypotheses that explain the etiology of menopause. The most current theories are:

hereditary predisposition;
autoimmune disorders;
environmental impact;
modifiable factors: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery on the pelvic organs, inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs;
smoking

These factors can affect the formation of ovaries, which will initially have a deficiency of the follicular apparatus. Some factors are difficult to influence, but others are possible.

Half of women with ovarian wasting syndrome have a family history.

The level of sex hormones decreases by the age of 30

By the age of thirty, the level of female sex hormones begins to decline. By this time, the number of healthy oocytes drops, and their quality also begins to suffer. Conceiving a child becomes more difficult every year.

Scientists have proven that after 30 years of age, you are less likely to give birth to a healthy child. Getting pregnant also becomes problematic. If the aging process of the gonads has started in a woman’s body, then the opportunity to become pregnant naturally becomes less and less every year.

It is also difficult when solving this issue through IVF.

Considering that healthy and strong oocytes have already been released at a younger age, there is a risk of miscarriage, the birth of children with Down syndrome and other diseases caused by genetic damage.

Other reasons that cause early menopause and reduce the body's response to stimulating factors:

Pelvic inflammatory disease has a negative impact on ovarian function, but is potentially preventable.
Endometriosis, although not preventable, can be treated.
Chemotherapy and surgery on the pelvic joints and ovaries are important causes of premature aging of the ovaries. Surgeons must take this into account during surgery.
Some treatments aimed at stimulating follicles reduce their supply. And short-term hormone replacement therapy increases the rate of conception after its discontinuation. At the same time, the pregnancy rate increases and the risk of miscarriage decreases. In addition, this process is controlled.
Chemotherapy that limits the amount of ovarian reserve should not be used unless specifically indicated.
The same approach should be taken with radiation therapy.

Scientists are thinking about changing the rate of decline in ovarian reserve, but so far there are few proposals. One option is to freeze good quality eggs.

Yes, yes, a prudent woman can freeze her eggs for the future at a young age. For more information on how to protect eggs on the eve of menopause, see Part 2 of this article.

Until now, scientists have not come up with a magic cure that can prolong youth. Every woman can slow down this process.

Stress and anxiety can affect the level of hormones in the body.

How to make the ovaries work?

Resuming and restoring the functioning of the gonads is very problematic. It is difficult to influence the age of menopause, but nevertheless, we can do what depends on us.

Smoking is a factor that has a detrimental effect on the sex glands. And it depends only on us whether we destroy our eggs or not. To smoke or not to smoke, especially in anticipation of menopause, is a voluntary choice

In addition, you can change your lifestyle and diet. If you do not agree to change your life, then it is unlikely that you will be able to postpone menopause. But by changing your diet and habits, you can gain several years from aging!

Stimulation of ovarian function in menopause

Hormone replacement therapy can be used during premenopause. But this is a “double-edged sword” - hormonal therapy can lead to the development of malignant neoplasms.
Stimulating the ovaries in postmenopause is a direct path to cancer.

In order to prevent this, ultrasound must be performed regularly.

A pathological condition is when, under the influence of hormonal therapy, the ovaries double in size.

If changes occur during menopause, visible on ultrasound, it can be assumed that some pathological processes have appeared:

Occasionally, a follicle may be found on the ovary during menopause, and the follicle may cause an increase in sex hormone levels. Ovarian follicles after menopause can appear even at a very old age; there are known cases of their visualization at the age of over 70 years;

Pathological processes in the gonads

Ovarian cysts of various etiologies. Benign serous tumors include cystadenomas, adenofibromas, cystic adenofibromas, and superficial papillomas. These tumors are common, accounting for about 25% of all benign ovarian tumors. Ovarian cystadenomas during menopause are bilateral in about 10% of all serous tumors, about 70% are benign, 5-10% have borderline malignant potential and 20-25% are malignant, depending on the age of the patient. Sometimes cystadenomas reach gigantic sizes. In 1922, Spohn reported that he diagnosed a giant ovarian cystadenoma in menopause with a weight of 148.6 kg. Symmonds, in 1963, reported a cyst weighing 79.4 kg.
malignant neoplasms (ovarian cancer);
a large and lumpy ovarian may be due to metastasis to the gonad from other organs.

The most dangerous for women are malignant processes, which can be determined by ultrasound and using tumor markers.

Can the ovary hurt during menopause?

Both in premenopause and postmenopause, with inflammation, endometriosis, or with torsion of the legs of the cyst, the appendages hurt; with other pathologies there may be no pain.

There is an opinion that with the advent of menopause, all women's problems end. It all depends on the age at which menopause began.

Criteria for determining early ovarian aging

Due to the fact that this diagnosis can only be made in retrospect, the time possible for stimulation is missed.

How to determine the onset of menopause and ovarian reserve?

Recently, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology has developed criteria by which one can determine the ovarian reserve for their timely stimulation.

late reproductive age (>40 years)
abnormal ovarian reserve (5-7 follicles or anti-Mullerian hormone)
previous examinations for ovarian reserve, in which oocytes

Source: https://43SimptomaKlimaksa.ru/menopauza/starenie-yaichnikov

Features of the functioning of the ovaries during menopause

An important point is how the ovaries work during menopause. After all, this determines all the changes occurring in the body.

Since the number of follicles in each of them is initially limited, it is natural that over the course of 35-40 years they are spent without replacement. Menstruation still occurs at the beginning of menopause, but most of them do not produce an egg. That is, they cannot be fully called menstruation, since they pass without ovulation.

The follicles that remain in the ovaries during menopause at this stage also change qualitatively. Menstruation is also done differently. The volume of discharge may change, and the intervals between them may shorten or lengthen. Critical days become irregular, which was previously considered undesirable and requiring treatment, but is now natural.

The follicles are also “to blame” for all this. A reduction in their numbers leads to a decrease in the production of estrogen by the organs. And since there is no egg, there is no corpus luteum. This means that progesterone becomes significantly less.

Is it possible to boost work?

Menopause is characterized by special manifestations that are perceived very difficult by some. Or she herself overtakes the woman too early. A problem arises: how to get the ovaries to work during menopause.

There are several possibilities to solve this:

For some, it is enough to normalize their lifestyle and include foods in their diet that stimulate the production of estrogen. These are vegetables and fruits, legumes, but in addition to them it is necessary to avoid spicy, salty, and fatty foods. The same method includes reasonable physical activity, quality rest;
Hormonal drugs. Among them are those containing only estrogens (Proginova, Estrofem, Divigel, Estrogel gels) or combined ones (Divina, Femoston, Klimonorm). Choosing them “at random” is dangerous, since you may be wrong with the dose and the drug itself, causing the appearance of a tumor and other diseases;
Phytoestrogens. The drugs Remens, Klimadinon, Klimaktoplan are also able to force the reproductive system to slow down degenerative processes and improve well-being;
Folk remedies. Decoctions of lungwort, licorice root, aralia, calamus, and horsetail normalize well-being by introducing some of the missing estrogens into the body. For the desired effect, brew 2 tbsp. one of the plants per 2.5 cups of boiling water. You need to drink 100 ml of the product three times a day before meals.

If the ovaries are larger than necessary

A cyst is one of the reasons for an increase in the size of the ovary in a woman during menopause

Enlargement of both ovaries after menopause is an undesirable and alarming sign. The reduction and disappearance of follicles leads to the fact that normally the organs become smaller.

But menopause is dangerous because many diseases that were previously dormant or did not declare themselves at all become more active. Therefore, if the ovaries are enlarged during menopause, the reasons should be looked for in one of them:

Cysts. In 30% of cases during menopause, both organs are affected. The neoplasm in this period is not functional, that is, resorbable. As a rule, this is an epithelial cyst that can degenerate into something more serious;
Polycystic. Sometimes multiple formations are found on organs. Menopause makes them likely due to a drop in estrogen levels and an excessive increase in the amount of male hormones. This is facilitated by long-term use of oral contraceptives, as well as hormone replacement therapy. It eases the course of menopause, but increases the risk of gynecological ailments;
Cancer. Malignant tumors of these organs are in second place among the causes of death among women from cancer. And they usually occur after the cessation of menstruation. Ovarian cancer is provoked not only by menopausal age, but also by previous life circumstances: abortion, lack of childbirth, taking hormonal drugs.

We recommend reading the article about postmenopause in women. You will learn about the manifestations of this condition, the characteristics of discharge, the reasons for the decline of reproductive function, as well as the need to take medications to relieve symptoms.

Sexual dysfunction

When the premenopausal period begins, almost all representatives of the fair sex complain of decreased sexual desire and libido, the inability to achieve orgasm, as well as dryness of the inner walls of the vagina. This process is naturally associated with the partial or complete disappearance of female hormones from the body - in some cases, such a failure provokes a complete loss of interest in sex.

An additional negative point can be considered a decrease in the level of secretion and lubrication in the vagina - even if sexual intercourse occurs, the man’s friction may not bring pleasure, but irritation. In addition, insufficient lubrication provokes a weakening of the natural local barrier against sexually transmitted infections.

Possible solutions to problems:

Hormone replacement therapy;
The use of artificial lubricants during sexual intercourse;
Use of drugs that increase libido;
Proper preparation for sex is the use of aromatherapy, an appropriate intimate atmosphere.

What to do to avoid missing the disease?

The decline of ovarian function is not a reason to completely forget about these organs. By participating in the menopausal process, they can present unpleasant and even terrible surprises. An ultrasound scan during menopause can recognize danger, despite the reduced size of the organs. The examination may reveal the abnormal size of the ovaries, if any, as well as their asymmetry.

It is twice as difficult to detect healthy paired organs during menopause as it was while the woman still had reproductive capabilities. Follicles that disappear from the ovaries during menopause make visualization through the abdominal wall difficult, even with a full bladder. Significant morphological changes occur in them.

But the transvaginal ultrasound method can reveal all the negative processes occurring in them.

Changes in the ovaries, as in the entire body during menopause, have natural causes. But sometimes diseases interfere with the process, and some of them show obvious signs at the last stage, when it is too late to be treated. To prevent this, you should get examined regularly, and not just when you feel unwell.

Menopause has several phases of development that differ from each other and. Perimenopause is the very first stage when the ovaries have not yet stopped.

Is it possible to stop menopause 1. Turning off ovarian function at a certain age is inevitable. . What to drink during menopause to avoid aging 1.

An ovarian cyst can be treated without surgery during menopause if it does not cause oncological suspicion among doctors, that is, it is not dermoid.

In any case, menopause is inevitable when the uterus and ovaries are removed. . But menopause after surgery does not have such a smooth course as natural.

Signs of ovarian cystadenoma in menopause. The reasons for its development during menopause. What to do with ovarian cystadenoma during menopause.

Causes of ovarian tumor formation in women during menopause, colpitis, uterine fibroids. Treatment of vaginitis and other diseases of the reproductive system during menopause.

Previously asked:

Hello! I am 51 years old. I have large uterine fibroids and cervical dysplasia. I understand that an operation is needed to remove the uterus along with the cervix. But the doctor says that it is better to remove everything, that is, the ovaries. I'm at a loss. Is it really necessary to have my ovaries removed at my age? I'm scared because I can't take HRT. I had my period 3 months ago. According to ultrasound data, ovarian hypofunction. I want to hear an outside opinion. Thank you.

What happens to the ovaries during menopause?

Shortness of breath and lack of air

Shortness of breath is one of the accompanying symptoms of tachycardia during menopause and is caused by a significant lack of estrogen before the period of alternative production of this hormone by other organs. Usually this manifestation is moderate, but sudden, and can provoke anxiety, in some cases even panic.

Combating shortness of breath during menopause requires maximum rest of the entire body, as well as treatment for rapid heartbeat. If the lack of air is severe, then bronchodilators - Berodual or Salbutamol in the form of an aerosol - can be used as a symptomatic temporary remedy.

Physiological changes in the ovaries

It is the reproductive system of the female body that undergoes the most serious changes during menopause. To understand the essence of the processes occurring in the ovaries at this time, one should remember what function this organ performs and what its significance is.

What is an ovary

The ovary is an oval gland, which with one edge is attached to the uterus, and the other is directed towards the fallopian tube. A mature ovary consists of a cortex, medulla and the so-called gate. It is in the cortex that the follicles are located, inside which the eggs mature. Every woman's body contains a certain number of follicles. This is a kind of reproductive reserve, the reserves of which are not renewed throughout life.

In each menstrual cycle, one follicle matures, giving a chance for the birth of a new life. The ovary produces vital hormones such as estrogens and androgens. Estrogens are of greatest importance for the full functioning of the female body.

Changes during menopause

During menopause, the structure of the ovaries changes dramatically. These changes are irreversible; their final result is the complete completion of reproductive function. As menopausal changes progress, the place of the follicles is gradually replaced by connective tissue, and the place of the former corpus luteum by hyaline lumps. This dynamic process leads to changes in the size and structure of a given organ. Gradually, the ovaries decrease in size, and tissue atrophy occurs.

Read about at what age women's periods end and how to prolong the youth of the body in the article at the link.

Many women are interested in what ovarian dimensions are normal during menopause. You should focus on the following parameters:

volume can vary from 1.5 m3 to 4.5 m3;
the thickness should be within the range of 9 to 12 mm;
length: from 20 to 25 mm;
width: from 12 to 15 mm.

How organ size changes during menopause

In women of reproductive age, the normal size of the ovaries has the following parameters:

organ length – 20-35 mm;
its width is 15-20 mm;
thickness – 20-25 mm.

Both organs differ in size. This difference is considered normal. In a forty-year-old woman, the normal weight of one organ is 9.5 g.

During premenopause

The menopausal period has three stages, during which the ovaries change their size. The first stage is called perimenopause. It starts with the first symptoms of menopause - hot flashes, increased sweating, surges in blood pressure, excessive irritability and others. They are provoked by hormonal imbalance, which occurs due to the fact that the ovaries begin to produce fewer sex hormones.

During premenopause, the menstrual cycle is disrupted. It becomes shorter or longer, and the number of critical days and the abundance of menstrual flow also changes. Delays are more common in women. First for a few days, and then weeks and months. The amount of menstrual flow decreases and lasts fewer days.

The first changes in the ovaries occur in premenopause against the background of decreased estrogen levels. The number of remaining follicles decreases with each menstruation. The cortex, which previously contained follicles, is replaced by connective tissue.

The ovaries begin to decrease in size to the following parameters:

length does not exceed 25 mm;
width no more than 15 mm;
thickness within 9-12 mm.

The ovaries are constantly decreasing in size. After a few months, both organs become the same size.

During menopause and postmenopause

During menopause, the last independent menstruation occurs. They can only be established retrospectively. Therefore, the diagnosis of menopause is made 12 months after menstruation, if there has been no menstrual flow. Throughout this year, the ovaries continue to decrease in size.

Features of the ovaries during menopause

As age increases, the number of follicles in the ovarian cavity gradually decreases, which provokes a decrease in the amount of sex hormones produced by this organ. A decrease in estrogen synthesis is the trigger in the development of pathological manifestations of menopause, because most of the processes occurring inside the female body are hormone-dependent.

The lack of estrogen causes a response from the hypothalamus, the essence of which is that it tries to restore the full functioning of the ovaries by sending follicle-stimulating hormone to help. Changes in the functioning of the hypothalamus provoke the development of malfunctions in the thermoregulation system, which explains the nature of hot flashes.

Lack of estrogen affects the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, excretory, digestive, and genitourinary systems of the body, causing irreversible changes in them. Hormone deficiency affects both the condition of the musculoskeletal system and the appearance of a woman.

As menopause progresses, ovarian activity steadily declines. By the time of the full onset of menopause, the process of egg maturation finally stops, ovulation no longer occurs, which is expressed by such an external sign as the cessation of menstrual bleeding.

Postmenopause is characterized by a complete cessation of estrogen synthesis by a woman’s ovaries. However, it would be incorrect to say that the production of this female hormone completely stops in a woman’s body during the postmenopausal period. The human body itself is endowed by nature with high adaptive abilities, therefore the reproduction of estrogens continues outside the gland - they are synthesized by peripheral structures (adrenal glands, adipose tissue).

Palpitations and pain in the heart area

During menopause and menopause, as mentioned above, the level of estrogen in the blood drops significantly - it is this hormone that stimulates the dilation of the heart arteries, and also plays a key role in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, which is partially responsible for the basic functions of the body, including the functioning of the heart. vascular system.

Typical manifestations of the symptom are a strong heartbeat in the form of tachycardia, aching pain in the heart area, as well as high blood pressure. How to overcome these regular problems?

Basic activities include:

Ensuring maximum peace for a woman;
Refusal from strong and moderate physical activity, which can provoke pathology;
Reducing the use of tonics (coffee, stimulants, energy drinks), as well as giving up nicotine and alcohol;
Using relaxation techniques - yoga, deep breathing.

If the symptoms are very severe, then it would be rational to consult a doctor - he will prescribe the necessary maintenance course of symptomatic therapy, which usually includes taking cardiac glycosides, potassium channel blockers and sedatives.

Polycystic ovary syndrome during menopause

Unfortunately, menopause sometimes brings extremely unpleasant symptoms, which are accompanied by feelings of malaise and pain. If we talk about possible problems in the functioning of the ovaries, they are most often expressed in the following phenomenon: under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the follicle increases in size, as it should be during a normal menstrual cycle, but the difference is that the egg inside the follicle does not mature, and ovulation does not occur. This anomaly is accompanied by a lack of progesterone production, which should normally accompany ovulation. Estrogens, meanwhile, provoke thickening of the epithelium and cause a delay in menstruation. When menstruation comes, it is accompanied by sensations of pain, in addition, the duration and abundance of discharge increases significantly. This entire process is united by the concept of “follicle persistence.”

Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome

Such enlarged follicles are otherwise called “cysts”. If the appearance of a persistent follicle is not isolated, then doctors talk about the development of a disease such as polycystic ovary syndrome. This disease can be expressed by the following symptoms:

long delay of menstruation. The cycle increases to 35 days or more. Although during menopause this symptom is not fundamental, because the irregularity of the cycle at this time is a completely natural phenomenon;
abundant or, conversely, scanty menstrual flow, which accompanies feelings of severe pain. However, the nature of the discharge during menopause is also a controversial sign, because this stage itself causes a similar picture;
pain can manifest itself, localized in the area of the left or right ovary, depending on the location of the cysts. Unpleasant sensations persist beyond menstruation. Sexual intercourse becomes painful;
enlargement of the ovaries, which is easily explained by the presence of persistent follicles in their cavity. In this case, the size of the uterus becomes below the physiological norm;
increase in body weight with a characteristic distribution of body fat according to the male type;
excessive growth of body hair;
complete or partial hair loss;
increased activity of the sebaceous glands;
acne;
deepening of the voice.

Why is it dangerous?

Polycystic disease is dangerous, first of all, due to malignant degeneration. It is during menopause that this probability increases several times. In addition, it can provoke a number of pathological processes in the body: mastopathy during menopause, myocardial infarction, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, obesity, vascular thrombosis.

Treatment

Treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome and single cysts can be either medicinal or surgical. Initially, preference is given to hormonal therapy; during menopause, it usually has a pronounced positive effect on the course of the disease. If there is no positive dynamics, then polycystic disease has to be treated with the help of a surgeon.

It should be remembered that the appearance of any pain in the pelvic organs should be a reason to immediately consult a doctor.

Insomnia

More than half of all representatives of the fair sex suffer from insomnia during menopause. Sleep disturbances in this case are physiological in nature and are also associated with hormonal imbalance, with a significant role being played by poor psycho-emotional background. Depression and worries during this period plague the woman more and more. Her usual circadian rhythms are disrupted, the situation is aggravated by the presence of parallel negative symptoms, snoring develops, and in some cases even OSA syndrome.

How to deal with insomnia during this difficult time for women?

Strict daily routine. You need to go to bed and get up at the same time - this is an axiom. It is best to prepare for a night's rest starting at 9 o'clock in the evening, and go to bed by the 22nd - from 23 to 1 o'clock in the morning the body is actively recovering and resting, it is better for this process to occur during sleep. Try to give up daytime sleep, but increase the duration of nighttime sleep to the norm of 8 hours;
Optimization of external conditions. It is easier and easier to sleep in a room with a good microclimate, a temperature of 16–17 degrees and the required level of humidity - to create the latter, regularly ventilate the bedroom or use humidifiers. The bed mattress and pillow must be orthopedic and suitable in size. The blanket is made from vegetable filling, bed linen is made from natural materials. Remove the TV and computer from the bedroom, cover the windows with opaque thick curtains with good light and sound insulation;
Additional relaxation. Two hours before bedtime, take a half-hour walk outside. 1 hour before - take a warm shower or bath with aromatherapy; a full body massage will also not be amiss.

How to stimulate the ovaries during menopause

The longer a woman’s ovaries maintain their full functioning, the later irreversible age-related changes will begin in the body. How to make the ovaries work more actively?

The foundation of any positive transformation should be a change in lifestyle. This concept includes a whole range of activities.

Proper nutrition

Nutrition is of great importance. Preference should be given to foods of plant origin (vegetables, fruits, berries, herbs, cereals), fermented milk products, dietary meats and fish. It is important to reduce the amount of animal fats consumed and give up fried, smoked, and overly salty foods.

It is equally important to drink enough drinking water. To function properly, the human body requires about 1.5 liters of clean water per day.

In order to support the functioning of not only the reproductive organs, but also the entire body as a whole, during menopause, you can supplement your diet with vitamin and mineral complexes. The modern pharmaceutical market offers a huge selection of drugs of this kind. Their composition is designed taking into account the changes characteristic of menopause. For example, these could be:

Active lifestyle

Equally important is regular physical activity. It helps to avoid the occurrence of congestion in the pelvic organs, thereby preventing the development of pathological processes, helps reduce pain during menstruation, and helps the woman’s reproductive system work in a balanced manner.

Use of infusions and decoctions

The safest option for influencing the functioning of the ovaries may be the use of infusions and decoctions of medicinal plants rich in plant estrogens. Phytocompositions based on these plants can perfectly complement the main treatment of menopausal changes in the ovaries :

sage;
hog uterus;
red brush;
red clover;
shepherd's purse.

Taking phytohormones

An improved option may be the treatment of ovarian dysfunction with drugs based on plant estrogens. These funds help achieve a milder course of menopausal changes, as well as prevent the development of pathologies, including those of the ovaries. Their choice today is huge, each individual drug has its own characteristics and effect on the female body. Therefore, treatment should be entrusted to an experienced specialist. The most popular and effective means are:

Use of HRT

Another option for stimulating ovarian function is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Drugs in this category can be produced in the form of gels, ointments (Estrogel, Divigel), tablets (Premarin, Proginova, Synestrol) and skin patches (Extraderm, Dermestril). All of them contain artificial female sex hormones. This treatment can help the ovaries work more actively again. The hormonal levels are normalized in a fairly short time. However, it is HRT that requires a more careful attitude, as it has a number of contraindications and side effects. An experienced specialist should determine whether the ovaries need to be forced to function longer.

The hormonal revolution that occurs during menopause cannot pass without leaving a trace on any organ of the female body. The changes that the ovaries undergo are by far the most significant and large-scale. And trying to minimize the risk of developing the adverse effects of menopause is the main task of a woman, which she must fulfill in order to preserve her health . Timely diagnosis of menopause and associated changes is the key to successfully overcoming this stage of life.

Sources:

https://vklimakse.ru/razmery-yaichnikov-pri-menopauze.html https://promesyachnye.ru/yaichniki-pri-klimakse/ https://mesyachnyedni.ru/klimaks/lechenie/pri-klimakse-chto-proisxodit -s-yaichnikami.html