What are streak ovaries?

Streak ovaries refer to the underdevelopment or absence of ovarian tissue in individuals who have female chromosomes (XX). This condition is commonly associated with Turner syndrome, a chromosomal disorder that affects females and is characterized by a missing or abnormal X chromosome.

In individuals with Turner syndrome, the ovaries fail to develop properly during embryonic development, resulting in streak ovaries. These ovaries are thin, white, and streak-like in appearance and lack the typical structure and function of normal ovaries. Streak ovaries are unable to produce eggs (ova) and do not release hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, leading to infertility and other hormonal imbalances.

As a result of streak ovaries, individuals with Turner syndrome typically experience primary amenorrhea, which means they do not start menstruation. They also have underdeveloped secondary sexual characteristics, such as breasts, and may have short stature, a webbed neck, and other physical features associated with Turner syndrome.

Treatment for streak ovaries involves hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to provide the hormones that the ovaries would normally produce. HRT can help to induce the development of secondary sexual characteristics, regulate menstruation, and alleviate other symptoms associated with Turner syndrome.

In some cases, individuals with streak ovaries may be candidates for assisted reproductive techniques (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) using donor eggs, if they desire to have children. However, this is not always feasible and many individuals with Turner syndrome remain infertile.