Understanding ovaries and ovulation
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The ovaries are a pair of glands that lie on either side of the uterus (womb). Each ovary is about the size of a large marble. The ovaries make eggs and various hormones. Hormones are chemicals that are made in one part of the body, pass into the bloodstream, and have an effect on other parts of the body.
- Ovulation is when you release an egg (ovum) into the uterus (womb). Ovulation normally occurs once a month. Before an ovum is released at ovulation, it develops in a little swelling of the ovary called a follicle (like a tiny cyst). Each month several follicles start to develop, but normally just one fully develops and goes on to ovulate.
- The main hormones that are made in the ovaries are oestrogen and progestogen - the main 'female' hormones. These hormones help with the development of breasts, and are the main controllers of the menstrual cycle. The ovaries also normally make small amounts of 'male' hormones (androgens) such as testosterone.
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