Ovarian Disorders Specialist

What are ovarian disorders?

Ovarian disorders are health complications affecting your ovaries. Your ovaries are the two almond-shaped reproductive organs that produce and store your eggs, with one on each side of your uterus. They also produce estrogen and progesterone, the two female hormones. 

When you hit menopause, your ovaries stop producing both eggs and hormones. Certain ovarian disorders can also affect their ability to produce eggs and hormones properly. Because hormones are involved, ovarian disorders can cause a wide range of symptoms, affecting more than just your menstrual cycle and reproductive abilities. 

When you come to V CARE OB/GYN with symptoms of an ovarian disorder, your provider may perform hormone tests, ultrasound imaging, and other diagnostic procedures to find out if you have an ovarian disorder and determine the best treatment for it. 

What are some common ovarian disorders?

There are a variety of different ovarian disorders that can affect your ovaries’ functioning. V CARE OB/GYN often diagnoses and treats:

Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are benign, fluid-filled sacs that develop on your ovaries. They can cause symptoms like bloating and cramping, but you might not know you have them. 

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a condition that happens when your ovaries produce too many male hormones, and you may develop many small cysts as a result. Common side effects of PCOS include acne, abnormal hair growth, and menstrual irregularity.

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)

If your ovaries stop working before you turn 40, you have primary ovarian insufficiency. It’s different from premature menopause because you can still get menstrual periods. In some cases, you can even still get pregnant.

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer involves out-of-control cell growth in your ovaries. It’s very rare but more deadly than other reproductive cancers. 

What is a tubal disorder?

Tubal disorders aren’t the same as ovarian disorders. Instead of affecting your ovaries, they affect your fallopian tubes. Your fallopian tubes connect your ovaries to your uterus and provide a pathway for fertilized eggs to follow before implanting into your uterus. A tubal disorder can be an infection, a blockage, or fluid buildup in your fallopian tubes.

How are ovarian disorders treated?

Your ovarian disorder treatment depends on the specific diagnosis and the effects the disorder has on your health.

Taking hormonal birth control can help regulate the hormones that come from your ovaries. It can also reduce your chances of getting ovarian cysts and control some of the symptoms of PCOS.

Hormone treatments, particularly estrogen therapy, can help treat POI. Taking artificial estrogen replaces the estrogen your ovaries struggle to make and can reduce symptoms like hot flashes. 

In conjunction with hormone treatments or medications, V CARE OB/GYN might recommend dietary and lifestyle changes to ease your symptoms. Stopping smoking, losing weight, and being active can all help reduce the symptoms of PCOS and improve your overall well-being. 

For more information about ovarian disorders and tubal disorders, call V CARE OB/GYN, or book an appointment online today.