The Ovaries: Tiny Organs With a Big Job

Each ovary holds thousands of immature eggs at birth.
Only a few hundred eggs will ever mature during a lifetime.
The ovaries release one egg per cycle in most cases.
They also produce estrogen and progesterone — key female hormones.
Hormonal balance here regulates mood, skin, and bone health.
The ovaries alternate monthly, though not always perfectly.
Ovulation pain (“mittelschmerz”) can signal egg release.
After menopause, the ovaries become hormonally inactive.
Ovarian health is central to fertility and hormone balance.
Despite their size, ovaries are among the body’s most powerful organs.