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Ovarian Problems

Most women have two ovaries, one on each side of the womb. Ovaries are small egg-producing organs, about the size of almonds. The ovaries carry out a number of functions, including production of eggs and female sex hormones. Different problems can arise in each type of cell, in the production of each hormone, or sometimes in the egg itself. This online leaflet concentrates on the more common problems: polycystic ovaries and benign ovarian cysts. It does not give detailed information about ovarian cancer.

What do the ovaries do?
At birth our ovaries contain millions of unripe eggs, each held in a tiny fluid-filled sac or follicle. In adult life, one of these follicles matures each month, usually reaching a diameter of about two centimetres and then bursting to release its ripened egg into the fallopian tube. This is called ovulation. The fallopian tubes carry eggs from the ovaries into the womb.

The ovaries also produce female sex hormones. During the development of the follicle, increasing amounts of the main female hormone, oestrogen, are produced. After ovulation, the empty follicle (called the corpus luteum) produces the hormone progesterone. Progesterone stops the release of more eggs and thickens the lining of the uterus.

Small amounts of androgens (male hormones) are also produced in the ovaries. Hormones are carried in the blood stream and influence other organs such as the uterus and breasts.

Two other hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH), play an important part in ovulation, but are not produced by the ovaries. They are produced by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. FSH stimulates follicle development. LH triggers ovulation and helps maintain the corpus luteum.

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Originally written by Jenny Tricker. This edition revised by Women's Health (2000).

This leaflet is protected by Copyright © Women's Health. You may print off one copy for personal use only.