Can Women Be Born Without Ovaries
Yes, women can be born without ovaries or with nonfunctioning ovarian tissue. This may result from certain genetic conditions, developmental differences, or surgical removal before birth in rare cases. The condition affects hormone production and fertility potential.
Causes and Related Conditions
Some women are born with conditions such as Turner syndrome or gonadal dysgenesis, where ovaries are absent or underdeveloped. In other cases, premature ovarian insufficiency or surgical removal due to medical issues leads to absent or nonfunctioning ovaries.
Diagnosis, Effects, and Management
Doctors diagnose absent or nonfunctioning ovaries through hormone tests, imaging, and genetic screening. Without ovaries, estrogen and progesterone levels are often low, which can affect bone health, menstruation, and fertility. Hormone therapy and fertility options like donor eggs can help manage these effects. For more on reproductive anatomy and ovarian function, see this overview from a medical resource.
