Ovaries: Anatomy, Function, Hormones and Common Conditions
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Answer: What do the ovaries do?
The ovaries have two main jobs: they produce and store eggs, and they make hormones. Each menstrual cycle, one ovary usually releases an egg during ovulation. The ovaries also make estrogen and progesterone, hormones that help control the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy. [1]
Ovarian role | What it means |
Egg storage | Follicles inside the ovaries hold immature eggs. |
Ovulation | Around the middle of a menstrual cycle, a hormone surge can cause one follicle to release its egg. |
Hormone production | The ovaries make estrogen and progesterone. |
Reproductive-cycle support | Egg release and ovarian hormones are involved in menstruation and pregnancy. |
What the research says
The condition formerly called PCOS now has a new consensus name. A 2026 review describes polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) as the new consensus name for polycystic ovary syndrome, emphasizing the broader, multisystem nature of the condition, with reproductive, metabolic and cardiovascular alterations. The review adds that PMOS/PCOS-specific validation is still needed before the autonomic-monitoring approaches it proposes can inform clinical decisions (Ye et al., Front Endocrinol, 2026). [2]
In randomized trials, two medicines for PMOS performed similarly. A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials in women with PMOS, which it describes as affecting approximately one in eight women, found that liraglutide and metformin had comparable effects on BMI, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), fasting glucose, fasting insulin and menstrual-cycle frequency. Diarrhea was less frequent with liraglutide (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.12–0.81). The authors caution that no significant difference is not proof that the treatments are equivalent (Banerjee et al., Cureus, 2026). [3]
What are the ovaries?
The ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands located on the right and left sides of the uterus. They produce and store eggs and make hormones that control the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. [1]
The ovaries release an egg during ovulation. If sperm fertilizes that egg, pregnancy can occur. Sometimes more than one egg is released, which can result in a multiple pregnancy. Egg release occurs during menstrual cycles until menopause. [1]
What do the ovaries do?
The ovaries support the menstrual cycle and pregnancy by releasing eggs and making hormones. The main hormones they make, along with small amounts of testosterone and other hormones, are estrogen and progesterone.
Inside the ovaries are thousands of tiny sacs called follicles. Each follicle holds an immature egg. During days six through 14 of a menstrual cycle, follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, helps some follicles grow. Around day 14, a surge in luteinizing hormone, or LH, causes one follicle to release its egg. [1]
This timing is a simplified cycle overview. Menstrual cycles can vary, so the timing of ovulation should not be used to diagnose fertility or predict an individual cycle without professional guidance.
Where are the ovaries located?
The ovaries are two organs, one on the right and one on the left side of the uterus. The uterus is in the lower abdomen. Several muscles and ligaments hold the ovaries in place. The ovarian ligament connects the ovaries to the uterus, but the uterus and ovaries do not touch. [1]
Structure | Description |
Right ovary | Located on the right side of the uterus. |
Left ovary | Located on the left side of the uterus. |
Ovarian ligament | Connects an ovary to the uterus, although the organs do not touch. |
Supporting tissues | Muscles and ligaments help hold the ovaries in place. |
What do the ovaries look like and how big are they?
Ovaries are oval-shaped and firm, with a slightly textured surface. They may be any shade between light gray and white. [1]
Ovarian size changes with age. Before menopause, an ovary can be as large as a kiwi, or around 6 centimeters. The average size is around 4 centimeters. After menopause, an ovary can be as small as 2 centimeters, about the size of a kidney bean. Ovarian size also declines every decade after age 30. [1]
These measurements are general descriptions, not a way to interpret an individual ultrasound or scan. A healthcare professional should explain whether a reported size is expected for a person's age and clinical context.
What are the layers of an ovary?
An ovary has three layers. The outer layer is a protective coating. The middle layer consists of connective tissue and contains follicles that hold eggs. The innermost layer contains blood and lymphatic vessels. [1]
What symptoms can happen with ovarian problems?
Ovarian problems can cause different symptoms, and the same symptom may have more than one possible cause. Symptoms can include pelvic pain or bloating, abdominal pressure or tenderness, nausea or diarrhea, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, period pain, irregular periods and no ovulation. [1]
Possible symptom | How it may present |
Pelvic pain or bloating | Discomfort or a sense of fullness in the pelvic area. |
Abdominal pressure or tenderness | Pressure or sensitivity in the abdomen. |
Nausea or diarrhea | Digestive symptoms that may occur alongside an ovarian problem. |
Irregular vaginal bleeding | Bleeding that differs from a person's usual pattern. |
Vaginal discharge | A change in discharge may occur with some conditions. |
Period pain | Pain associated with menstruation. |
Irregular periods | Menstrual timing or pattern differs from usual. |
No ovulation | An ovary does not release an egg during a cycle. |
What can ovarian pain feel like?
Ovarian pain can feel different from person to person. It may feel sharp and sudden, like a dull ache that comes and goes, or like pressure or a twinge. Some people feel something around ovulation, and pain may also occur during sex or urination.
The quality, location and timing of pelvic or abdominal pain cannot identify its cause on their own. New, recurring or concerning symptoms deserve discussion with a healthcare professional, particularly when they occur with unusual bleeding, discharge, period changes or problems with ovulation.
Which conditions can affect the ovaries?
The ovaries can be affected by several conditions, including both cancerous and noncancerous ones. These include endometriosis, ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts, ovarian tumors, pelvic inflammatory disease, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as PCOS, and primary ovarian insufficiency.
Condition | Why it belongs in an ovarian-health discussion |
A condition that can affect the ovaries. | |
Ovarian cancer | A disease that can affect ovarian tissue. |
Cystic changes are among the common ovarian conditions. | |
Ovarian tumors | Tumors are among the conditions that may affect the ovaries. |
Pelvic inflammatory disease | A condition that can involve the ovaries. |
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) | The new name for the condition formerly known as PCOS. |
Primary ovarian insufficiency | A condition that can affect ovarian function. |
This list is not a self-diagnosis tool. Symptoms such as pain, bleeding or irregular periods can have multiple explanations, so a healthcare professional must interpret them in context.
How are ovarian conditions diagnosed?
Healthcare professionals may use several tests to help diagnose ovarian conditions, including a pelvic exam, ultrasound, MRI, blood tests and CT scan. [1]
Test | Role |
Pelvic exam | Part of the evaluation for ovarian conditions. |
Ultrasound | An imaging test used to help evaluate the ovaries. |
MRI | An imaging option used to help investigate ovarian conditions. |
Blood tests | May help evaluate a possible ovarian condition. |
CT scan | An imaging test that may be used in the diagnostic workup. |
The appropriate test depends on the symptoms and the suspected condition. A scan or laboratory result needs professional interpretation and should not be treated as a diagnosis in isolation.
How are ovarian problems treated?
Treatment depends on what is wrong. Options include acetaminophen, ibuprofen or other pain relievers; hormonal birth control pills or hormone therapy; antibiotics for infections; surgery such as laparoscopy or oophorectomy; and radiation or chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. [1]
Treatment category | Examples |
Pain relief | Acetaminophen, ibuprofen or other pain relievers. |
Hormonal treatment | Hormonal birth control pills or hormone therapy. |
Infection treatment | Antibiotics for infections. |
Surgery | Laparoscopy or oophorectomy may be used in some situations. |
Cancer treatment | Radiation or chemotherapy may be used for ovarian cancer. |
The list does not mean every treatment is appropriate for every person. A healthcare professional should select treatment based on the underlying condition, medical history, goals and risks.
Can pregnancy happen without ovaries?
A person cannot become pregnant on their own without ovaries, but pregnancy may still be possible. If the uterus remains, in vitro fertilization, or IVF, using donor eggs or previously frozen eggs or embryos could be an option.
Fertility questions after ovarian surgery or in the setting of an ovarian condition are highly individual. A reproductive-health professional can explain which options may apply to a person's anatomy and circumstances.
Why might someone have their ovaries removed?
Ovarian cancer is the most common reason for removing ovaries. Some people may choose removal as a preventive step when they are at high risk for ovarian or breast cancer. Ovaries may also be removed for certain conditions when more conservative treatments do not work. [1]
Oophorectomy is a major medical decision. The potential effects on hormones, fertility and overall health should be discussed with the treating healthcare team before surgery.
When should you contact a healthcare professional?
Contact a healthcare professional about new, persistent or concerning pelvic or abdominal symptoms, especially when they occur with unusual vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, changes in periods, period pain or no ovulation. Pelvic pain, unusual bleeding or period changes are good reasons to call a healthcare provider.
Get emergency care right away for sudden, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, especially with fever, vomiting, fainting or dizziness, or if you could be pregnant, because this can signal a twisted ovary, a burst cyst or an ectopic pregnancy. If you are worried about your symptoms, contact a healthcare professional or local urgent-care service for guidance.
Conclusion: Understanding the ovaries supports better questions
The ovaries are paired glands that store eggs, release an egg during ovulation and produce estrogen and progesterone. Their location, size and appearance change across life, and several conditions can affect ovarian pain, bleeding, periods, ovulation or fertility.
If you notice a new change in pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, discharge, period pattern or ovulation, use this guide to prepare questions for a qualified healthcare professional. Clear information is a starting point for better care conversations, not a substitute for an examination or individualized advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ovaries does a person have?
A person has two ovaries: one on the right and one on the left side of the uterus.
What hormones do the ovaries make?
The ovaries make estrogen and progesterone.
What is ovulation?
Ovulation is the release of an egg from one of the ovaries. In a typical cycle, an LH surge around day 14 causes one follicle to release its egg.
What are ovarian follicles?
Follicles are tiny sacs inside the ovaries that hold immature eggs. During part of the menstrual cycle, FSH helps some follicles grow.
Where are the ovaries located?
The ovaries are in the lower abdomen, one on each side of the uterus. Muscles and ligaments help hold them in place.
What are common symptoms of an ovarian problem?
Possible symptoms include pelvic pain or bloating, abdominal pressure or tenderness, nausea or diarrhea, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, period pain, irregular periods and no ovulation.
What tests can evaluate an ovarian condition?
A healthcare professional may use a pelvic exam, ultrasound, MRI, blood tests or CT scan, depending on the clinical question.
Can ovarian pain happen during ovulation?
Some people may feel something around ovulation. Ovarian pain can also feel sharp, sudden, dull, pressure-like or like a twinge, and may occur during sex or urination.
Can someone become pregnant without ovaries?
A person cannot become pregnant on their own without ovaries, but pregnancy may still be possible if the uterus remains; IVF could be an option.
Why are ovaries sometimes removed?
The most common reason is ovarian cancer. Removal may also be considered preventively for someone at high risk for ovarian or breast cancer, or for certain conditions when more conservative treatments do not work.
Related Reading
Ovarian Cysts: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options Explained explains fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries and when they need treatment.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment covers a common hormone condition that affects ovulation.
Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment — A Clear Guide to Understanding and Managing the Disease describes warning signs, diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.
Fallopian Tubes: Anatomy, Function, and Fertility explains the tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Ovaries: Anatomy, Function, Location & Conditions. Cleveland Clinic. Updated July 11, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22999-ovaries
Ye T, Wang J, Guo X, et al. Heart rate dynamics in polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome: from heterogeneity to wearable digital phenotyping. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2026;17:1951746. PMID 42840377. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2026.1951746
Banerjee I, Krissheeven M, Pandey N, et al. Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Liraglutide Versus Metformin in Women With Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Cureus. 2026;18(9):e115758. PMID 42830876. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.115758
Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions about a medical condition or treatment.
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