A study published Oct. 14 in Aging Cell found that ovaries continue to undergo biological changes long after menopause, challenging the assumption that they become inactive. Researchers at Northwestern University and the Buck Institute for Research on Aging analyzed ovarian tissue from 28 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 75 using proteomics and mass spectrometry to measure protein levels across thousands of samples.

The analysis revealed that aging ovaries exhibit increased inflammation and structural remodeling, with distinct protein patterns emerging between women in their 50s and those 70 and older. Older ovaries showed elevated levels of proteins linked to immune activity and tissue breakdown, while younger postmenopausal ovaries contained more proteins associated with maintaining cellular structure. These shifts resemble molecular signatures of cellular senescence, a state in which aging cells remain active and can influence surrounding tissues.

The findings also identified overlapping molecular pathways between normal ovarian aging and ovarian cancer. Certain proteins previously tied to cancer were more abundant in aging ovaries, particularly in women in their 60s, though all tissues examined appeared cancer-free. Researchers emphasized this does not indicate cancer but suggests shared biological processes that may create an environment conducive to cancer development over time.

The study raises questions about whether the aging ovary might contribute to broader age-related health issues in women, including bone and brain health, given its systemic signaling role. It also prompts discussion about whether healthy postmenopausal ovaries might one day be removed to reduce long-term disease risk, though no evidence currently supports such a recommendation.

The researchers noted that the biological activity of the postmenopausal ovary is likely shaped by a combination of genetic, environmental and age-related factors. They stressed that while the organ’s changing profile appears significant, its precise impact on women’s health remains unclear and requires further investigation.