Quick Fact
Eggs and key reproductive hormones—including estrogen and progesterone—come from the ovaries. These small, oval-shaped glands sit on either side of the uterus. Right now, your body contains up to 50 different hormone types. Estrogen and progesterone don’t just affect reproduction—they help maintain bone health and keep cells running smoothly. Every month or so, the ovaries release one egg, though timing varies from person to person.
Did You Know?
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland kicks off egg development. Then luteinizing hormone (LH) steps in to trigger ovulation—the moment an egg breaks free. This hormonal tango doesn’t just make pregnancy possible. It also shapes mood, metabolism, and overall wellness.
Where exactly are eggs and hormones produced in the body?
Eggs and reproductive hormones are produced in the ovaries, a pair of small glands located in the female pelvis. They sit close to the uterus, nestled against the pelvic walls. This isn’t just random anatomy—it’s a carefully arranged setup. The ovaries get a steady blood supply from the ovarian arteries, which branch off the abdominal aorta. That rich vascular network lets them churn out hormones nonstop, responding to signals from the brain’s hypothalamus and pituitary.
What role do the ovaries play in overall health?
The ovaries do way more than make eggs. They pump out estrogen, which keeps your heart and bones strong, and progesterone, which readies the uterus for a possible pregnancy. Honestly, this is why ovarian health matters at every life stage—from your first period to well past menopause.
What are the main hormones produced by the ovaries?
| Hormone |
Produced By |
Primary Function |
| Estrogen (e.g., Estradiol) |
Ovaries (follicular cells) |
Regulates menstrual cycle, supports bone density, influences mood and skin health |
| Progesterone |
Corpus luteum (post-ovulation) |
Prepares uterine lining for implantation, supports early pregnancy |
| Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) |
Anterior Pituitary |
Stimulates egg follicle development in ovaries |
| Luteinizing Hormone (LH) |
Anterior Pituitary |
Triggers ovulation and supports corpus luteum formation |
How big are the ovaries, and where exactly are they located?
The ovaries are tiny—about 3–4 cm long and 1.5–3 cm wide. They sit near the fimbriae of the fallopian tubes, ready to catch the egg when it’s released. Their position can shift slightly during the menstrual cycle or as you age. By your late 40s, ovarian function usually starts winding down—that’s perimenopause. Eventually, egg release stops altogether.
Why do the ovaries matter beyond reproduction?
The ovaries are endocrine powerhouses. They don’t just handle fertility—they influence everything from heart health to bone strength. Estrogen alone affects cardiovascular function, skin elasticity, and even brain chemistry. When ovarian function declines, it can ripple across your whole body.
What historical misconceptions exist about the ovaries?
Ancient physicians had some wild ideas. Hippocrates and others thought ovaries were “female testes,” though nobody really knew what they did until the 1800s. That’s when Emil Knauer proved removing ovaries in animals caused hormonal chaos and infertility. And here’s a fun myth: people used to believe the left ovary made “female” eggs while the right made “male” eggs. In reality, both ovaries can produce eggs that lead to either sex—it all depends on the sperm’s genetics.
How do the ovaries contribute to diseases like PCOS or endometriosis?
The ovaries are often at the center of reproductive disorders. In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hormonal imbalances cause cysts and irregular cycles. Endometriosis happens when uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, often near the ovaries. Ovarian cancer also starts in these glands. Each of these conditions ties back to structural or hormonal glitches in ovarian function.
What tools can help monitor ovarian function at home?
Tracking your cycle is easier than ever. Menstrual apps can predict ovulation windows and flag irregular cycles. Basal body temperature (BBT) monitoring shows a slight rise after ovulation thanks to progesterone. Fertility awareness methods take daily discipline but can hit 98% effectiveness when done right. Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) are another solid option—they detect LH surges and are sold in most drugstores.
What should you do if you suspect a hormone imbalance?
Don’t ignore persistent symptoms. Low progesterone or high estrogen can cause fatigue, mood swings, or irregular periods. A healthcare provider can run tests and suggest fixes—whether that’s lifestyle tweaks, supplements, or medication. In 2026, fertility preservation options have expanded, especially for people facing cancer treatment or genetic risks.
How do FSH and LH interact with the ovaries?
FSH and LH are the ovaries’ bosses. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) kicks off egg development in the follicles. Then luteinizing hormone (LH) surges to trigger ovulation and form the corpus luteum. This back-and-forth keeps the menstrual cycle humming. Without these hormones, the ovaries wouldn’t release eggs or produce enough estrogen and progesterone.
Can one ovary compensate if the other stops working?
Usually, yes—but it depends. If one ovary quits, the other often picks up the slack. That said, fertility can take a hit if the remaining ovary isn’t fully functional. Sometimes conditions like PCOS or endometriosis affect both ovaries, so compensation isn’t guaranteed. Regular check-ups can help catch issues early.
What happens to ovarian function during menopause?
Ovarian function fades gradually. In your late 40s, you enter perimenopause—ovaries start producing less estrogen and progesterone. Egg release becomes sporadic, and periods get irregular. Eventually, the ovaries stop releasing eggs altogether. This transition can last years, with symptoms ranging from hot flashes to mood changes.
Johns Hopkins Medicine, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Endocrine Society
