Perimenopause Ovary Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief

Medically reviewed by Danielle Grimm, MPH, MSN, CNP, WHNP-BC, MSCP · Written by Suzanne Mooney · May 26, 2026

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Key Takeaways

Ovary pain during perimenopause is common and can stem from a wide range of causes, from hormonal changes to conditions affecting nearby organs.

Throughout your reproductive years, you may have gotten used to menstrual cramps and the pain and discomfort they can bring. During perimenopause, however, you might notice a different kind of pain, one that feels like it’s coming from your ovaries.

While ovary pain can be uncomfortable, it’s not uncommon, especially during the menopause transition. Understanding what this pain feels like, what may be causing it, and when to seek medical care can help you feel more confident about your body and your health as you navigate this next phase of life.

In this article, we explain the most common causes of ovary pain, symptoms to watch for, and what treatment options may help, depending on what’s causing your pain.

🗳️ Do you experience ovary pain?

Yes, and it’s related to perimenopause.

Yes, and it’s related to another health condition.

Yes, and I don’t know the cause.

What Is Ovary Pain?

Ovary pain, also called ovarian pain, is pain or discomfort felt in or around the ovaries. The ovaries usually sit on either side of the uterus, and pain can occur on one side or both.

Depending on the cause, ovary pain may be felt in the lower abdomen (below the belly button), pelvis, or lower back.

Ovary pain can be chronic, meaning it happens frequently and lasts for months, or acute, meaning it comes on suddenly or comes and goes. Some experience a steady, dull ache, while others feel sharp or intense pain.

What Causes Ovary Pain?

During perimenopause, hormonal changes can affect ovulation and the menstrual cycle, which may lead to cramping or discomfort in the ovaries. But ovary pain isn’t always due to fluctuating hormones.

Because many different conditions can cause similar types of pain, it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms and seek medical advice if something doesn’t feel right.

Ovary Pain Related to the Reproductive System

There are many causes of ovary pain related to your menstrual cycle or your reproductive system.

Some common causes of ovary pain include:

Menstrual cramps — Pain from uterine contractions during your menstrual period
Ovulation pain — Midcycle pain when the ovary releases an egg
Ovarian cysts — Fluid-filled sacs on or in the ovary
Endometriosis — Tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome — A hormone imbalance that affects ovulation (formerly called polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) — An infection of the reproductive organs

Some causes of ovary pain related to the reproductive organs are medical emergencies or life-threatening. These include:

Ectopic pregnancy — A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus (a medical emergency)
Ovarian torsion — Twisting of the ovary that can cut off blood flow (a medical emergency)
Ovarian cancer — A rare cause of ovarian pain

Sudden or severe pain can sometimes be a sign of ovarian torsion or ectopic pregnancy.

Seek prompt medical attention if your pain is intense, comes on suddenly, or is accompanied by heavy bleeding, unusual discharge, fever, nausea, dizziness, or persistent bloating.

Ovary Pain Caused by Conditions Not Related to the Reproductive System

It’s also possible that what feels like ovary pain is actually coming from nearby organs, such as the bladder, intestines, kidneys, or appendix.

Other health conditions that can cause pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis include:

Appendicitis
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Kidney stones
Gastrointestinal issues, including gas, constipation, or irritable bowel conditions
Muscle strain or cramps
Bladder irritation

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also cause pain that may feel like ovary pain.

How Is Ovary Pain Diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing ovary pain, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or gynecologist. To help identify the cause of your pain, your provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and menstrual cycle.

Before your appointment, it can be helpful to write down details about your pain, including:

Where you feel it
When it occurs
How often it occurs
Whether it’s constant or comes and goes
How severe it is and whether it affects your daily life
Whether you notice a pattern, such as pain during or after eating, urination, sexual activity, or menstruation
Any other symptoms you’re experiencing, including menopause symptoms like irregular periods or vaginal dryness

Your healthcare provider will likely perform a physical exam. They may also recommend additional testing, such as blood tests or imaging, to better understand what’s causing your pain.

How Is Ovary Pain Treated?

Treatment for ovary pain depends on the underlying cause. Once the source of the pain is identified, your healthcare provider can recommend a treatment plan based on your diagnosis.

Medications

Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescriptions treatings, including:

Over-the-counter pain relievers — Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Hormonal medications — Birth control pills, IUDs, and other types of hormone therapy can help reduce perimenopause cramps and balance fluctuating hormone levels.
Antibiotics — If the pain is caused by an STI or other infection, antibiotics may be appropriate.

Procedures

In some cases, additional treatments or procedures may be needed. For example, if ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids are contributing to the pain, your provider may recommend treatment that involves minimally invasive procedures or, in some cases, surgery.

Home Care

At-home care and lifestyle changes can also help relieve mild or occasional pain. Some options include:

Using a heating pad or hot water bottle on the lower abdomen
Walking, swimming, stretching, or another gentle physical activity
Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation

If you’re considering vitamins, supplements, or alternative therapies to treat ovary pain, check with your healthcare provider first to make sure they’re safe and appropriate for you. Some vitamins and supplements can interfere with medications or cause unwanted side effects.

Talk to Your Doctor

If your symptoms persist, worsen, or continue to affect your daily life even after treatment, ask for a referral to a menopause specialist or another women’s health provider.

Ongoing pelvic pain is something to take seriously, and support is available. You don’t have to live with ovary pain during the menopausal transition.

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