Ovulation After Hysterectomy: Answers & Practical Tips

If you’ve had a hysterectomy and wonder whether your ovaries still do their thing, you’re not alone. Many people think that removing the uterus stops all reproductive activity, but that’s not the whole story. In most cases the ovaries stay intact and keep making eggs and hormones, which means you can still ovulate.

What a Hysterectomy Actually Removes

A hysterectomy is surgery that takes out the uterus. Sometimes the cervix is removed too (total hysterectomy), and occasionally the fallopian tubes are taken out (salpingectomy). The ovaries are usually left alone unless your doctor has a specific reason to remove them. If the ovaries stay, they keep producing estrogen, progesterone, and the occasional egg.

How Ovulation Works Without a Uterus

Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovary. The egg travels down the fallopian tube, and if it meets sperm, fertilization can happen. The uterus is just the place where a fertilized egg would implant. Without a uterus, there’s nowhere for a pregnancy to grow, but the ovary’s cycle can still run on a monthly basis. You might still notice mid‑cycle spotting or changes in cervical mucus even though you no longer bleed.

Most women who keep their ovaries will have regular hormone swings for years after surgery. These hormones protect bone health, mood, and heart health, so they’re still important. If your ovaries were removed (oophorectomy), you’ll enter menopause right away and ovulation stops.

Want to know if you’re still ovulating? Simple home methods like tracking basal body temperature or checking cervical mucus can give clues. Some doctors also order blood tests for luteinizing hormone (LH) surges to confirm ovulation.

It’s worth mentioning that fertility options change after a hysterectomy. Even if you’re still ovulating, you can’t carry a pregnancy. If you want a child, you’d need a gestational carrier (surrogate) who can receive an embryo created with your egg (if you still have them) or with a donor egg.

If you’re concerned about early menopause because of a hysterectomy, ask your doctor about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT can help keep hormone levels steady and reduce symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and bone loss.

In short, a hysterectomy usually doesn’t stop ovulation as long as the ovaries stay. Your body keeps its monthly rhythm, your hormones stay active, and you’ll need to think about different family‑building routes if you want kids. Talk with your health provider about hormone health, bone protection, and any fertility plans you have.