Ovaries
The ovaries are the female sex glands. Located in the pelvis on either side of the uterus, each ovary contains eggs needed for reproduction.
Puberty is the time when sexual maturity is completed. Puberty begins when the pituitary gland produces hormones that cause the ovaries to mature. In the process, the ovaries produce their own powerful hormones that cause a spurt of growth in height and weight. Secondary sex characteristics develop – breasts, pubic hair, underarm hair, and fuller hips. Internally, the reproductive organs mature and menstruation may begin.
When things go wrong
Sometimes puberty fails to occur when expected. Delayed puberty means that breast development has not begun by age 13 and menstrual periods have not begun by age 15. There are a number of possible causes. If there is no underlying illness, there, there may be a lack of hormones. The problem may lie with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain, or with the ovaries. Sometimes low hormone levels are due to emotional stress, excessive physical activity, and poor nutrition.
Turner syndrome is sometimes suspected in girls who have failed to achieve puberty and whose height is below the normal range. Girls with Turner Syndrome are missing an X chromosome, and the ovaries fail to develop normally.
Another possible problem is precocious puberty. This is recognized by the onset of breast development before age 8. It occurs because the pituitary has begun signaling the ovaries to mature too early.
Fortunately, hormone imbalances can often be corrected. Hormone levels that are low can be brought up to normal with synthetic hormones that work just like the ones the body makes naturally. Hormone levels that are too high may be treated with drugs or with hormones that have the opposite effect. It is usually best to get help from medical professionals who specialize in disorders of the endocrine system.
Ovaries – female sex glands
Two oval glands located in the pelvic cavity on each side of uterus
Ovaries contain egg follicles for reproduction and tissue that secretes sex hormones
Gonadotropin regulating hormone (GnRH)from the hypothalamus stimulates release of
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) by the pituitary
FSH and LH cause the ovaries to release sex hormones:
- Estrogens – Responsible for female secondary sex characteristics
- Growth and development of female reproductive system
- Androgens produced by the adrenal gland stimulate growth of pubic and axillary hair
- Progesterone – Prepares enclometrium for ova implantation
- Produced by corpus luteum under influence of LH after ovulation
Disorders and clinical features
- Primary delayed puberty (female hypogonadism)
- Development of breasts not present by age 13
- No menses by age 15
- Polycystic ovaries
- Hirsutism
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Turner syndrome (sex chromosome abnormality) – gonadal dysgenesis
- Short stature
- Hypogonadism
- Webbed neck
- Low posterior hair line
- Precocious puberty
- Breast development prior to age 8
- Menses prior to age 10
- Rapid growth, tall stature
Therapy
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Hormone suppression therapy
Special considerations
- Psychological issues related to sexual development and stature
- Infertility (refer to genetic counselors, infertility specialists)
- Compliance with medications, which may include injections
- Body image and hygiene
- Support, education, and understanding
