Women and Children

A woman has two ovaries. There function is to release egg cells and to produce hormones. They usually produce one egg per month. Their hormonal function is unique. The normal ovary produces two very important hormones but in a very special unique way. For the first half of the menstrual cycle only Estrogen is produce but in the latter half the ovary also starts producing another hormone Progesterone. Refer to normal menstruation to see the effect of these hormones on the endometrium. The ovary also produces small amounts of testosterone ( the so called male sex hormone).


When a baby girl is born , her ovaries contain all the egg cells (ova) she will ever possess. The egg cells are formed during intra uterine life and no new egg cells are formed after birth. This differs completely from the male, who starts producing sperms only at puberty and than continues to produce sperms for the rest of his life. This is why women enter the menopause when ALL THEIR EGG CELLS ARE USED UP.

The following illustrated discussion will show how egg cells are released and will also be the basis for a discussion on ovarian cysts.

This graphic presentation will illustrate the process of ovulation and the changes that occur in the ovaries during the monthly female cycle that related to article before this, the menstruation.