Body & health

Ovaries

Alsoovaryovarianovarys

Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

The ovaries are two small organs on either side of the uterus that store and release eggs and produce hormones, mainly estrogen and progesterone.

At a glance

  • There are two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus, each about the size of an almond.
  • From puberty to menopause, they usually release one egg each cycle, a process called ovulation.
  • They produce hormones, mainly estrogen and progesterone, that regulate the menstrual cycle.
  • These hormones also affect bones, skin, mood and many other body systems.
  • Functional cysts are common and often resolve on their own.

In detail

Each ovary is about the size of an almond. From puberty until menopause, the ovaries usually release one egg in each menstrual cycle, a process called ovulation. The hormones they make regulate the cycle and also affect bones, skin, mood and many other body systems.

Common ovarian conditions include functional cysts, which often resolve on their own, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). As menopause approaches, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and stop releasing eggs.

In a sentence

  • The scan showed a small cyst on one of her ovaries, and the doctor said it would probably go away.
  • The textbook diagram labels the ovaries on either side of the uterus.

Where the word comes from

From modern Latin ovarium, built on Latin ovum, meaning egg.

Common questions

What do the ovaries do?

They store and release eggs and make hormones, mainly estrogen and progesterone. These hormones control the menstrual cycle and influence many other systems, including bones, skin and mood.

Are ovarian cysts dangerous?

Many ovarian cysts are functional cysts that form as part of the normal cycle and often go away on their own. Some cysts need monitoring or treatment, so pelvic pain, bloating or other new symptoms are worth checking with a doctor.

Related terms

Sources

  1. MedlinePlusOvarian Disorders