Understanding Ovarian Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Ovarian Dysfunction

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - Premature Ovarian Failure - Premature Ovarian Insufficiency - Postablative Ovarian Failure - Hyperestrogenism

General

The ovaries form part of the female reproductive system. Each woman has two ovaries. They are oval in shape, about four centimetres long and lie on either side of the womb (uterus) against the wall of the pelvis in a region known as the ovarian fossa. The ovaries have two main reproductive functions in the body. They produce oocytes (eggs) for fertilization and they produce the female reproductive (sex) hormones, estrogen and progesterone. The ovaries naturally stop functioning at the time of menopause. This occurs in most women around the age of 50. If this happens earlier, before the age of 40, it is called premature ovarian failure or premature ovarian insufficiency. Any medical conditions that stop the ovaries functioning properly can decrease a woman's fertility.

85 people with Ovarian Dysfunction

Learn from others who are experiencing Ovarian Dysfunction.

Signs & symptoms

The symptoms of early menopause, or ovarian dysfunction, are not different from any other menopause. The first thing you probably noticed is that the time between periods (menstruation cycles) lengthens. Other symptoms of menopause might also occur- hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping and mood changes.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will suggest different tests according to your age and symptoms: *Pregnancy test* *Blood tests* to check your hormone levels After diagnosis, you might have to do further tests to search for possible causes.

Treatment

Treatment varies depending on the cause of the ovarian dysfunction. If no source was found, your doctor might offer some medication for symptoms relief.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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