Contrary to the assumption that ovaries become dormant after menopause, new research demonstrates that the organ continues to undergo significant biological changes for decades, with potential implications for ageing and disease in women.
Scientists at Northwestern University and the Buck Institute for Research on Aging analysed ovarian tissue from 28 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 75. Using advanced proteomic technologies capable of measuring thousands of proteins simultaneously, the team examined 5,812 protein groups in normal ovarian tissue.
The findings, published in Aging Cell, revealed consistent patterns of change across all analytical methods. Ovaries from younger postmenopausal women contained more proteins involved in maintaining cells and tissue structure, whilst older ovaries showed increased proteins associated with inflammation, immune activity and tissue remodeling. The most pronounced differences appeared between women in their 50s and those aged 70 and older.
The ageing ovaries also displayed molecular patterns consistent with cellular senescence, a state in which damaged cells stop dividing but remain biologically active and can influence surrounding tissue.
Building on earlier research showing that ageing ovaries become increasingly inflamed and fibrotic, the team found a molecular link between ovarian ageing and cancer. Some proteins previously associated with ovarian cancer were more abundant in ageing ovaries, particularly among women in their 60s. Although all tissue samples were cancer-free, the findings suggest healthy ovarian ageing and ovarian cancer may share biological processes.
The researchers emphasised that the findings do not indicate whether healthy ovaries should be removed after menopause. Rather, they raise questions about whether the postmenopausal ovary influences systemic health and whether these changes contribute to disease or represent normal ageing.
Source: Watson MA et al. The Human Ovary Exhibits Dynamic Molecular Remodeling in the Decades Post-Menopause. Aging Cell (2026). DOI: 10.1111/acel.70714
