Interpret the ultrasound finding of a left ovary measuring 33 mm × 14 mm × 17 mm with a volume of 4 mL.

Interpretation of Left Ovary Ultrasound Findings

Your left ovary measuring 33 mm × 14 mm × 17 mm with a volume of 4.0 mL falls within the normal range for a premenopausal woman and is at the upper limit of normal for a postmenopausal woman. 1, 2

Normal Ovarian Volume Reference Ranges

The interpretation depends critically on your menopausal status:

Premenopausal Women

• Normal ovarian volume averages 9.8 cm³ (range 1-16 cm³) in menstruating women 2
• Your volume of 4.0 cm³ is well within normal limits and represents a smaller-than-average but completely normal ovary 2, 3
• Ovarian volumes peak in the third decade of life and gradually decline thereafter 2
• The right ovary is typically 0.5 cm³ larger than the left in women aged 20-29 years 3

Postmenopausal Women

• Normal ovarian volume ranges from 2.2-8.6 cm³ depending on years since menopause 4
• In the first year after menopause, average volume is 8.6 ± 2.3 cm³ 4
• After 15+ years postmenopause, average volume decreases to 2.2 ± 1.4 cm³ 4
• Your volume of 4.0 cm³ is at the upper limit of normal for early postmenopausal status 4, 5
• Any postmenopausal ovary >10 mL warrants further evaluation for possible pathology 1, 6

Clinical Context and Additional Considerations

When This Finding Is Reassuring

• If you are premenopausal with regular menstrual cycles, this ovarian size is completely normal and requires no further action 2, 7
• If you are postmenopausal within 5 years of menopause, this volume remains within expected physiologic range 4

When Further Evaluation May Be Needed

• If you have irregular menstrual cycles or signs of hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, acne, male-pattern hair loss), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) should be considered, though PCOS requires ovarian volume >10 mL for diagnosis 1, 8, 6
• If you are >15 years postmenopausal, a volume of 4.0 cm³ is slightly larger than expected (average 2.2 cm³) and may warrant clinical correlation with symptoms 4
• If the ultrasound noted any complex features (solid components, septations, irregular borders), further imaging or gynecologic consultation would be appropriate 1

Important Diagnostic Thresholds

• Ovarian volume >10 mL in premenopausal women suggests polycystic ovarian morphology when accompanied by ≥20 follicles per ovary 1, 8
• Ovarian volume >10 mL in postmenopausal women is abnormal and requires gynecologic evaluation to exclude neoplasm 1
• Ovarian volume <3 cm³ in premenopausal women may suggest diminished ovarian reserve 8

Bottom Line

Your ovarian volume of 4.0 mL is normal. No further imaging or intervention is indicated based on size alone, provided you are premenopausal or within 10 years of menopause and the ovary has normal morphology (smooth, simple cystic structures only). 4, 2, 7 If you have concerning symptoms such as pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or signs of hormonal imbalance, discuss these with your clinician for appropriate laboratory and clinical evaluation. 1