Ovaries

The ovaries, like the testes, have two functions: first, to provide

ova or egg cells and secondly, to secrete sex hormones. The hormones

of the ovaries are estrogens and progesterone and unusual

conditions androgens may be produced.

The ovaries are awakened to activity when a young girl reaches

11 to 13 years of age. The “female” hormones serve to develop the

secondary feminine sex characteristics of breast growth, pubic

and auxiliary hair, maturation of the genital tract and also the contours

of the female figure, and many contribute to the psychological

characteristics of the woman. Inadequate or absent ovarian

stimulation by the pituitary gonadotrophic hormones, failure of the

ovary to respond, or an abnormal response to the stimulation, results

in many disorders ranging from inborn failure to menstruate,

subsequent cessation of menses and development of male characteristics.

In the Taoist system, we regard the ovaries as one of the great

energy centers of the female. The female can awaken and transform

the great energy from the ovaries to the higher center.