Ovaries
- The ovaries maintain the health of the female reproductive system.
- They secrete two main hormones—estrogen and progesterone.
- Diseases associated with the ovaries include ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer, menstrual cycle disorders, and polycystic ovarian syndrome
- The ovaries are a pair of ova-producing organs (that is, they produce egg cells) that maintain the health of the female reproductive system. The ovaries, like their male counterpart, the testes, are known as gonads. This simply means they are the primary reproductive organs.
- In addition to their role in producing ova, the ovaries also have the distinction of being an endocrine gland because they secrete hormones—primarily estrogen and progesterone—that are vital to normal reproductive development and fertility.
Diseases and Disorders of the Ovaries
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is commonly associated with menopause, just like mood swings and hot flashes. Please refer to the section on Osteoporosis for more details.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome:
Polycystic means “many cysts.” Interestingly, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria for diagnosing PCOS do not require the presence of polycystic ovaries by pelvic ultrasound. The NIH criteria are based on signs of hyperandrogenism (or elevated androgens) and oligo/amenorrhea. Other key characteristics include infertility, irregular menstruation, acne, and increased hair growth on the face and body.
PCOS is essentially caused by a hormone imbalance—many of the symptoms are caused by increased production of androgens. These patients usually have high free testosterone levels.
It’s not uncommon for those diagnosed with PCOS to be overweight, insulin resistant, and have type 2 diabetes. Many of the symptoms of PCOS fade with weight loss.
Menopause and Perimenopause
Menopause is a normal part of aging. It refers to the time when ovarian reproductive function ends—when a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs and making the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Menopause is retrospectively diagnosed 1 year after your last period.
Menopause tends to occur in a woman’s late 40s to early 50s, but varies by country, with an average age of 51 years. Occasionally, women may have premature ovarian failure or early menopause. In addition, menopause may occur abruptly in a woman who has her ovaries removed or who undergoes chemotherapy or radiation.
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause refers to the time period leading up to menopause (premenopause) and the time following it (postmenopause). During the years preceding menopause, hormone levels fluctuate and average estrogen levels may even be higher. After menopause, hormone levels gradually decline.
You can still become pregnant during premenopause, even with erratic periods, making contraception important for women who don’t wish to become pregnant.
What are the Symptoms of Perimenopause?
During the years leading up to menopause, periods are often irregular, and vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats often occur. Vasomotor symptoms refer to a difficulty regulating body temperature. These vasomotor symptoms may persist for years but do usually dissipate over time.
Health Changes with Menopause
The hormone changes that occur after menopause increase the risk for bone thinning (osteopenia and osteoporosis) and fracture, and heart disease. Thus, it is important to see your doctor during this time to monitor for these conditions and get treatment if necessary.