How Does Removing an Ovary Affect Puberty?

The ovaries are small, almond-shaped organs that are part of the female reproductive system. Typically, a female has two ovaries, but one or both can be removed for medical reasons.

Background

• In girls, puberty is triggered by the release of two hormones from the pituitary gland: luteinizing hormone and the follicle-stimulating hormone. These hormones stimulate the ovaries and trigger the release of the female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Each month, an egg is released from an ovary.

Effects

• Generally speaking, a girl who has one ovary should go through puberty normally. The body will adjust so that an appropriate amount of hormones are released by that single ovary.

Further Complications

• Sometimes the body will not adjust, and a girl will need additional hormones to begin puberty and keep the hormone levels stable throughout her lifetime. Along with hormone irregularities, infertility issues can occur when a woman has only one ovary.