Can Your Ovaries Produce Eggs After Hysterectomy
Learn if your ovaries can still produce eggs after a hysterectomy, how hormonal changes occur, and what to expect regarding fertility and health post-surgery.
Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Introduction
If you’ve had a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus), you may wonder whether your ovaries can still produce eggs. The answer depends on the type of hysterectomy you’ve undergone and whether your ovaries were removed. Let’s explore this topic in simple terms to help you understand how your body works after this procedure.
Understanding Hysterectomy and Ovaries
A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove the uterus, and sometimes other reproductive organs, depending on the reason for the procedure. There are different types:
Total Hysterectomy – Removal of the uterus and cervix
Partial (Supracervical) Hysterectomy – Removal of the uterus but keeping the cervix
Radical Hysterectomy – Removal of the uterus, cervix, and surrounding tissues (usually for cancer treatment)
Hysterectomy with Oophorectomy – Removal of the uterus along with one or both ovaries
Do Ovaries Still Work After Hysterectomy?
If Ovaries Are Kept: Even after a hysterectomy, your ovaries continue to function normally if they are not removed. This means they will still release eggs (ovulate) and produce hormones like oestrogen and progesterone. However, since the uterus is gone, the eggs have nowhere to go and are simply absorbed by the body.
If Ovaries Are Removed: If one or both ovaries are removed (oophorectomy), egg production stops, and menopause begins immediately if both ovaries are taken out.
Consult Top Gynaecologists For More Information
Can You Still Get Pregnant After a Hysterectomy?
No, pregnancy is not possible after a hysterectomy because the uterus is required for a fertilised egg to implant and grow. Even if your ovaries are still producing eggs, without a uterus, pregnancy cannot occur.
Hormonal Changes After Hysterectomy
Ovaries Intact: You will continue to have hormonal cycles (oestrogen and progesterone production) until natural menopause occurs.
Ovaries Removed: If both ovaries are removed, you will experience surgical menopause, leading to sudden hormonal changes, including hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be recommended in such cases.
Symptoms to Watch For
Even if your ovaries are kept, some women experience changes in hormone levels after a hysterectomy. Possible symptoms include:
Irregular periods (if cervix is kept, light spotting may occur)
Early menopause (in some cases, ovarian function may decline sooner than expected)
Mood swings, fatigue, or changes in libido
How to Support Your Health After Hysterectomy
Monitor Hormonal Changes – If you experience sudden menopausal symptoms, consult your doctor about HRT or other treatments
Maintain Bone Health – Oestrogen helps protect bones, so if your ovaries are removed, focus on calcium-rich foods and weight-bearing exercises
Stay Active – Gentle exercises like walking or yoga can help with recovery and overall well-being
Eat a Balanced Diet – Include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support healing
Regular Check-ups – Follow up with your doctor to monitor any long-term effects
When to See a Doctor
If you the following experience severe symptoms, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider:
Sudden, intense hot flashes
Severe mood changes
Pain or swelling in the pelvic area
Unusual vaginal bleeding (if cervix was kept)
Conclusion
A hysterectomy is a major surgery, but if your ovaries are preserved, they will continue to produce eggs and hormones as usual. However, pregnancy is no longer possible. Understanding these changes can help you take better care of your health post-surgery.
If you have concerns about your hormonal health after a hysterectomy, you can book a consultation with a gynaecologist on Apollo 24|7. They can guide you on managing symptoms and ensuring long-term well-being.
Consult Top Gynaecologists
Consult Top Gynaecologists For More Information
Dr. Alapati Jyotsna
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
4 Years • MBBS MS Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Shailaja L
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
16 Years • MBBS, MS
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr. Priyanka Surisetty
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
8 Years • MBBS, DGO
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Ritika Khurana
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
16 Years • MBBS, DGO(GYNAECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS)
Pune
Dr Rupali and Dr Ritika, Pune
Dr. Bharathi Balakrishna
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
31 Years • MBBS,MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
Bengaluru
Sanjeevini Speciality Health Care & Diagnostic Center, Bengaluru
Consult Top Gynaecologists
Dr. Alapati Jyotsna
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
4 Years • MBBS MS Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Shailaja L
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
16 Years • MBBS, MS
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr. Priyanka Surisetty
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
8 Years • MBBS, DGO
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Ritika Khurana
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
16 Years • MBBS, DGO(GYNAECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS)
Pune
Dr Rupali and Dr Ritika, Pune
Dr. Bharathi Balakrishna
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
31 Years • MBBS,MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
Bengaluru
Sanjeevini Speciality Health Care & Diagnostic Center, Bengaluru
