An ovary is one of two small, oval organs on each side of the uterus. The ovaries store and release eggs and produce hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
The ovaries sit in the lower abdomen, one on the left and one on the right side of the uterus. Each ovary is roughly the size and shape of an almond. The fallopian tubes run close to the ovaries and carry eggs to the uterus.
The ovaries have two main jobs. First, they hold eggs inside small sacs called follicles. Each month, an ovarian follicle matures and usually one egg is released during ovulation. Second, the ovaries make hormones, mainly estrogen and progesterone, plus small amounts of testosterone. These hormones control the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy.
A person is born with all the eggs they will ever have, and the number goes down over time. In the years before menopause, the ovaries release eggs less regularly and make less estrogen. After menopause, they stop releasing eggs and periods end.
Several conditions can affect the ovaries. Common ones include ovarian cysts, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), premature ovarian insufficiency and ovarian cancer. Signs such as pelvic pain, bloating that does not go away or changes to periods should be checked by a GP.
Sources: NHS, MedlinePlus.
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