The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system.

The ovaries are:

• small, almond-shaped organs, each about 3 cm long and 1 cm thick
• found in the lower part of the abdomen (pelvic cavity)
• covered with a layer of cells called the epithelium.

There is one ovary on each side of the womb (uterus).

In a woman of childbearing age, a mature egg (ovum) is released from one of the ovaries each month (ovulation). This egg travels down the Fallopian tube to the uterus. If the egg is not fertilised by sperm, it disintegrates.

The ovaries also contain cells that release the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. These cells are called sex-cord stromal cells.

As a woman gets older, the ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen and progesterone. At the same time, the production of eggs also decreases and the woman's periods become irregular and eventually stop. This is known as menopause and usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55. After menopause, it is no longer possible to have a child by natural means.