No, you cannot have a period without ovaries. Periods, or menstruation, are a result of hormonal changes regulated by the ovaries.
How Ovaries Affect Menstruation
The ovaries produce hormones like estrogen and progesterone, crucial for the menstrual cycle. These hormones control the thickening of the uterine lining, preparing for potential pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn't occur, the lining sheds, resulting in menstruation. Removal of both ovaries (oophorectomy) halts this process, leading to menopause and the cessation of periods. This is explicitly stated in several sources:
- "If you have periods they will stop if both ovaries are removed. This is called menopause." Source: Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/oophorectomy/about/pac-20385030
- "If both ovaries are removed during the hysterectomy, you will no longer have periods and you may have other menopausal symptoms right away." Source: womenshealth.gov, https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/hysterectomy
Removal of only one ovary will not stop your period, as the remaining ovary continues hormone production. However, removal of both ovaries results in the complete cessation of menstruation. The cessation of periods following the removal of both ovaries is a well-documented medical fact. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might cause some bleeding, this is not a natural period stemming from ovarian function. Source: FAQ.IAPMD.org https://faq.iapmd.org/en/articles/3642750-will-i-still-get-a-period-if-i-keep-my-uterus-i-e-just-have-ovaries-removed
It is important to note that while some conditions might cause cramps without a period, they do not constitute menstruation. A true period requires functional ovaries and the associated hormonal cycle.
