Overview
The ovaries are two small organs in the pelvis that store eggs and make hormones involved in menstruation, fertility, bone health, and other body functions. Ovarian health includes normal ovarian function as well as conditions such as ovarian cysts, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovarian insufficiency, endometriosis involving the ovaries, infections, and ovarian cancer. Some ovarian conditions cause clear symptoms, while others may be silent for a time.
Key Symptoms
Symptoms linked to ovarian problems can include pelvic or lower abdominal pain, bloating, a feeling of fullness, pain during sex, and changes in menstrual bleeding. Some people may notice trouble becoming pregnant, unexpected weight or hair changes related to hormone imbalance, or urinary symptoms from pressure in the pelvis. Sudden severe pelvic pain, especially with nausea or vomiting, needs urgent medical attention.
Causes and Risk Factors
Ovarian health can be affected by hormonal changes, ovulation, family history, age, certain genetic conditions, infections, and other reproductive health conditions. Functional ovarian cysts can form during the menstrual cycle, while other cysts or growths may have different causes. The risk of ovarian cancer may be higher in some people with increasing age or inherited gene changes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.
Who Is Affected
Ovarian conditions can affect people at many life stages, from adolescence through older adulthood. Some problems are more common during the reproductive years, such as functional cysts and PCOS, while others become more likely after menopause, including ovarian cancer. Anyone with ovaries can be affected, including transgender and nonbinary people who still have ovaries.
Prevention
Not all ovarian conditions can be prevented, but regular health care and attention to body changes can help with early detection and management. Knowing your family history of ovarian, breast, or related cancers can be important and may guide discussions about genetic counseling. Seeking care for ongoing pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or persistent bloating may help identify problems sooner.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare professional may ask about symptoms, menstrual history, family history, and medicines, and may do a physical or pelvic exam when appropriate. Tests can include ultrasound, blood tests, pregnancy testing, and sometimes advanced imaging or referral to a specialist. If cancer is a concern, evaluation may include additional imaging, tumor-marker blood tests, and surgical assessment.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the cause and may include watchful follow-up, symptom management, hormonal treatment, surgery, fertility-related care, or cancer treatment. Some cysts go away on their own, while others need closer monitoring or an operation. Conditions such as PCOS or ovarian insufficiency often need longer-term care focused on symptoms, hormones, fertility goals, and general health.
Diet and Lifestyle
Diet and lifestyle cannot prevent every ovarian condition, but general health habits support reproductive and hormonal health. Regular movement, enough sleep, stress management, and a balanced eating pattern can help with overall well-being and may support people living with hormone-related conditions. Avoiding tobacco and keeping up with routine health visits are also helpful steps.
When to Seek Medical Care
Make a medical appointment if you have persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, changes in periods, pain during sex, trouble getting pregnant, or symptoms that keep returning. Also seek care after menopause for any new pelvic symptoms, abdominal swelling, or unexpected bleeding. Family history of ovarian or breast cancer is another reason to discuss ovarian health with a clinician.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent medical help for sudden severe pelvic or abdominal pain, especially if it happens with fever, fainting, dizziness, heavy bleeding, nausea, or vomiting. These symptoms can happen with ovarian torsion, a ruptured cyst, ectopic pregnancy, or severe infection, all of which need prompt assessment. If you are pregnant or could be pregnant, severe pain or bleeding should be treated as urgent.