Does the uterus secrete proteins or hormones independent of ovarian function?
The uterus secretes hormones and proteins but they are almost always in response to the cyclical hormonal changes from the ovaries or the prolonged high levels of hormones during pregnancy. Various prostaglandin hormones, cellular growth factors and other compounds are made in response to the changing hormones and the lining of the uterus (endometrium). After the ovaries are non functional such as with surgical or natural menopause, there are no hormones or proteins that are secreted into the body’s blood stream that I am aware of. Certainly the muscle cells of the uterus secrete enough local substances that have to do with keeping the cells alive but those substances are pretty much confined locally and do not have any systemic effect. With the above general comments about the lack of any general hormone secretion from the uterus after menopause already expressed, there are some notable exceptions. It is likely that the local effects of some of the uterine proteins are perceived under
