From the Guidelines
The normal size of an ovary in adult women is approximately less than 10 cubic centimeters (cc) or milliliters (mL) as indicated by the most recent evidence 1. This volume can vary slightly depending on a woman's age, hormonal status, and phase of the menstrual cycle. During reproductive years, ovaries tend to be larger, while they shrink after menopause. The typical dimensions of an adult ovary are about 3-5 cm in length, 1.5-3 cm in width, and 0.5-1.5 cm in thickness. Some key points to consider when evaluating ovarian size include:
- Ovarian size is important clinically because enlarged ovaries may indicate conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovarian cysts, or tumors.
- Conversely, smaller than normal ovaries might suggest premature ovarian insufficiency or post-menopausal changes.
- Physicians typically assess ovarian size through transvaginal ultrasound, which provides the most accurate measurements.
- Understanding normal ovarian volume helps healthcare providers distinguish between physiological variations and pathological conditions requiring intervention, as seen in studies such as 1, 1, and 1. It's worth noting that the evidence from 1 provides the most recent and highest quality guidance on normal ovarian size, and should be prioritized when making clinical decisions.
From the Research
Ovary Size in Women
- The normal ovary size in women can vary depending on age and other factors.
- According to a study published in 1986 2, the average ovary volume in healthy young adults is 6.48 cm3, with a range of up to 13.84 cm3.
- Another study from 2008 3 found that the mean ovarian volume in menopausal women is 3.4 cm3, with a range of 0.6-9.6 cm3.
- A study published in 1988 4 reported a mean ovarian volume of 3.58 cm3 in postmenopausal women, with a range of 1.00-14.01 cm3.
- In adolescent women, the threshold for increased ovarian size varies by age, with a threshold of 11.5 cm3 during the first 2 years from menarche, 10.5 cm3 during the third year, and 10 cm3 during the fourth and fifth years 5.
- A study from 2000 6 found that mean ovarian volume decreases with age, from 6.6 cm3 in women under 30 to 1.8 cm3 in women over 70.
Factors Affecting Ovary Size
- Age is a significant factor in determining ovary size, with ovarian volume decreasing with each decade of life from age 30 to age 70 6.
- Hormone replacement therapy and exogenous estrogen use can also affect ovary size, with a significant reduction in ovarian volume in women 40-59 years of age 6.
- Height is also a factor, with taller women having greater ovarian volume than shorter women 6.
- Weight is not a significant factor in determining ovary size 6.