Everything Your Ovaries Do (and Why It Matters)

Your ovaries are small organs with a big job: regulating your hormones, supporting fertility, and keeping your body in sync. These almond-sized organs, located on either side of your uterus, play a crucial role in your reproductive system, hormone regulation, and overall health.¹ From producing essential hormones to regulating your menstrual cycle, they do a lot behind the scenes. 

But when things go out of balance, your body lets you know—sometimes in the form of irregular periods, hair growth in unexpected places, or weight fluctuations.² Let’s take a deep dive into everything your ovaries do and how you can support them.

 

The Ovaries and Their Key Functions

Your ovaries are multitasking powerhouses. Here’s what they’re responsible for:

 

1. Releasing Eggs for Ovulation

Each month, your ovaries prepare and release an egg during ovulation. This is a vital part of the menstrual cycle and fertility process. If the egg is fertilized, it can lead to pregnancy. If not, your body sheds the uterine lining during menstruation.³

 

2. Producing Essential Hormones

The ovaries are the main producers of two key hormones:

• Estrogen – This hormone is crucial for regulating your menstrual cycle, supporting bone and skin health, and influencing mood.⁴
  
  
• Progesterone – Progesterone helps regulate your cycle and prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy affecting libido, weight, and overall health.⁴

These hormones don’t just affect your reproductive system; they also impact your metabolism, brain function, and cardiovascular health.^{5, 6}

 

3. Supporting Overall Health

Beyond reproduction, your ovaries play a role in:

• Bone strength – Estrogen helps maintain bone density, which is why women are at a higher risk for osteoporosis after menopause.⁷
  
  
• Heart health – Balanced estrogen levels support healthy blood circulation and cholesterol levels.⁵
  
  
• Mood stability – Your ovarian hormones influence neurotransmitters like serotonin, affecting mood, energy, and emotional health.⁸

 

When Things Go Out of Balance

When ovarian hormones are imbalanced, you might notice some frustrating symptoms. Here are some signs that your ovaries might need some extra care:

• Irregular or painful periods – A sign that ovulation may not be regular.
  
  
• Unwanted hair growth (hirsutism) – Excess androgens (male hormones) can lead to facial or body hair growth. Click here for a deep dive on why we get facial hair. 
  
  
• Hair thinning or slowed growth – Estrogen plays a role in hair health, and imbalances can cause shedding or slow growth.
  
  
• Unexplained weight gain – Hormonal shifts, particularly insulin resistance linked to ovarian imbalances, can contribute to weight gain.
  
  
• Skin issues – Hormonal fluctuations can lead to breakouts, oiliness, or dryness.⁹

 

One of the most well-known ovarian health concerns is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This condition is linked to irregular ovulation, imbalanced androgen levels, and metabolic changes, often leading to symptoms like irregular cycles, acne, and hair growth in unexpected places.¹⁰ If you’re experiencing symptoms that are out of the ordinary, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and support.

 

How to Support Your Ovaries Naturally

Whether you’re dealing with cycle irregularities or want to keep your ovarian health in top shape, here are a few ways to show your ovaries some love:

 

1. Prioritize Balanced Nutrition

A diet rich in whole foods, healthy fats, and essential nutrients can help regulate hormones:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts) support hormonal balance.¹¹
  
  
• Fiber (from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains) helps regulate estrogen levels.¹¹
  
  
• Magnesium and B vitamins (found in leafy greens and nuts) aid in hormone production and energy levels.^{12, 13}

2. Manage Stress Levels

Chronic stress can disrupt your ovarian hormone balance.¹⁴ Practices like deep breathing, yoga, and getting enough sleep can help support overall hormonal function.

 

3. Move Your Body Regularly

Exercise helps regulate insulin and hormone levels, which can be beneficial for ovarian function.¹⁵ But balance is key—over-exercising can sometimes have the opposite effect, leading to irregular cycles.¹⁶

 

4. Support with Supplements

Your ovaries rely on key nutrients to function. FLO Cycle Support contains essential vitamins and minerals that can help nourish your cycle and support hormonal balance.* As always, be sure to speak with your doctor before making any changes to your health routine. 

 

Prioritizing Your Hormonal Health

Your ovaries do more than release eggs—they’re essential for your hormonal, reproductive, and overall health. When they’re functioning well, you are energized, balanced, and in sync. But when things go off track, your body sends signals. By prioritizing proper nutrition, stress management, and supplements like FLO Cycle Support, you can help your ovaries (and yourself) achieve hormonal harmony.*

A note on sex and gender: Sex and gender exist on spectrums, and this article uses terms like “male” or “female” to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.