The ovaries are small but powerful organs that play a central role in reproductive health and overall hormonal balance. Beyond their role in fertility, they help regulate mood, bone density, energy, and even skin health through the hormones they produce. Understanding how the ovaries function offers valuable insight into the many ways they support your body throughout every stage of life.

Where Are the Ovaries Located?

Each woman typically has two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. They're oval-shaped glands about the size of an almond, nestled within the pelvic cavity and connected to the uterus by the fallopian tubes. These tubes serve as passageways for eggs to travel during ovulation.

Despite their small size, the ovaries are remarkably dynamic, constantly responding to hormonal signals from the brain and other parts of the endocrine system.

Anatomy of the Ovaries

Each ovary is composed of two main parts:

  • Cortex: The outer layer, which contains thousands of microscopic follicles. Each follicle houses an immature egg (oocyte).
  • Medulla: The inner region, rich with blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that provide nourishment and hormonal communication.

The ovarian follicles mature in a cyclical pattern controlled by hormones from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland-primarily follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

The Ovarian Cycle: A Monthly Rhythm

The ovaries operate on a monthly rhythm known as the ovarian cycle, which aligns with the menstrual cycle. This cycle is divided into three main phases:

1. Follicular Phase

In the first half of the cycle, FSH stimulates several follicles to grow, though usually only one becomes dominant. As the follicle matures, it produces increasing amounts of estrogen, which helps thicken the uterine lining in preparation for a possible pregnancy.

2. Ovulation

Around mid-cycle, a surge in LH triggers ovulation-the release of a mature egg from the dominant follicle. The egg travels through the fallopian tube, where it may meet sperm and become fertilized.

3. Luteal Phase

After ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, a temporary gland that produces progesterone. This hormone maintains the uterine lining, supporting early pregnancy if fertilization occurs. If not, the corpus luteum breaks down, progesterone levels fall, and menstruation begins-marking the start of a new cycle.

Hormones Produced by the Ovaries

The ovaries are key hormone producers, helping maintain reproductive and overall health. They secrete three main types of hormones:

  • Estrogen: Promotes the development of female reproductive tissues, breast growth, and bone strength. It also helps regulate mood and cholesterol levels.
  • Progesterone: Prepares the uterus for pregnancy and supports it during early gestation.
  • Testosterone (in smaller amounts): Supports libido, energy, and muscle mass.

These hormones don't just influence fertility-they impact nearly every system in the body. Hormonal fluctuations from puberty to menopause can affect everything from metabolism and sleep to cognitive health.

How Ovarian Function Changes Over Time

Ovarian function evolves throughout a woman's life.

  • Puberty: Hormonal signaling from the brain activates the ovaries, initiating the first menstrual cycles.
  • Reproductive Years: The ovaries release one egg per cycle and maintain steady hormone production.
  • Perimenopause and Menopause: As the supply of viable follicles decreases, ovulation becomes irregular, estrogen and progesterone levels decline, and menstruation eventually stops. These hormonal changes can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.

Supporting Ovarian Health

While ovarian function naturally changes over time, certain habits as well as supplements can help support healthy ovarian performance and hormone balance:

  • Eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods, omega-3s, and antioxidants.
  • Manage stress and get regular physical activity to help regulate hormonal rhythms.
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake, as both can impact ovarian reserve and hormone levels.
  • Schedule regular gynecologic checkups to monitor reproductive health and catch potential issues early.

When Ovarian Health Is Disrupted

Certain conditions can affect how the ovaries function:

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal imbalance that interferes with ovulation and may cause irregular periods, excess androgens, and insulin resistance.
  • Ovarian Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that can develop on or within the ovaries.
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): When the ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40.
  • Ovarian Cancer: A rare but serious disease that often develops silently and requires regular screening for early detection.

If you experience persistent pelvic pain, irregular cycles, or sudden hormonal changes, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider.

The Ovaries: Small Organs, Big Impact

Your ovaries are remarkable multitaskers-releasing eggs, producing hormones, and maintaining hormonal balance that supports countless body functions. Understanding how they work helps you stay informed, empowered, and proactive about your reproductive health through every stage of life.

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