Circulating androgen levels before and after oophorectomy in premenopausal and postmenopausal women

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of oophorectomy on baseline serum levels of androgens and estrogens in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Methods: Fourteen premenopausal and 10 postmenopausal women underwent total hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy for benign disease of the uterus. Serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione (A), testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha,17 beta-diol-17 beta-glucuronide (3 alpha-diol G), estrone (E-1), estradiol (E-2), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were measured by highly specific immunoassays prior to surgery and 2 weeks afterward. Free T and free E-2 were calculated. Differences were determined between preoperative (preop) and postoperative (postop) samples, and between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Results: In premenopausal women, postop levels of total and free T, DHT, and total and free E-2 decreased significantly from preop. Postop levels of DHEAS, A, 3 alpha-diol G, and SHBG were decreased, but not significantly different from preop. In postmenopausal women, postop levels of total and free T and total and free E-2 decreased significantly from preop, but there was little change in the other compounds. Significant differences in the mean change from baseline between premenopausal and postmenopausal women were observed only for E-1 and total and free E-2. Conclusion: The significant decrease in serum T in postmenopausal women following oophorectomy adds to the evidence that the postmenopausal ovary continues to produce T.