The Ovarian Function Test (OFT) is a medical examination used to evaluate female fertility. It is spelled /oʊˈvɛəriən ˈfʌŋkʃən tɛst/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word "ovarian" is pronounced with the stressed syllable on the second syllable, and features the diphthong /eə/. "Function" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable and features a schwa vowel /ə/ in the second syllable. "Test" is a monosyllabic word, with the unstressed vowel /ɛ/ and the consonant cluster /st/ at the end.
Ovarian Function Test refers to a medical examination or series of tests that aim to evaluate and assess the functionality and health of the ovaries in females. The ovaries are an essential part of the female reproductive system, responsible for producing and releasing eggs (ova) as well as producing hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
These tests are performed to gain insight into various aspects and characteristics of the ovaries, including their ability to produce and release eggs, hormone production, and overall reproductive health. Ovarian function tests are often recommended for women who are experiencing difficulty conceiving or have irregular menstruation, as these may indicate underlying issues with the ovaries.
Several methods can be used to assess ovarian function, such as blood tests to measure hormone levels (such as follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol), ultrasound scans to observe the size and structure of the ovaries, and tests to check for the presence of ovarian cysts or tumors. These tests may be performed at specific times during the menstrual cycle to obtain accurate results.
By conducting ovarian function tests, healthcare professionals can determine the cause of reproductive abnormalities or infertility, aid in the diagnosis of certain conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian failure, or ovarian tumors, and assist in planning appropriate treatment options, including fertility interventions or hormone replacement therapy.