Dr. Vani Warns Women About 7 Dangerous Symptoms Linked to Life-Threatening Disease

The ovaries play a crucial role in a woman’s reproductive system, from supporting conception to producing essential hormones. Yet the early signs of ovarian diseases — especially ovarian cancer — are often so mild that they go unnoticed.

Ovaries, located on either side of the uterus, regulate the menstrual cycle, release eggs, and produce hormones like estrogen and progesterone. As age increases, the functioning of the ovaries naturally declines — most active during reproductive years and gradually reducing around menopause.

Common Conditions Affecting Ovarian Health

According to Dr. Vani Ravikumar, Vice President – Lab Operations, RV Metropolis Healthcare (Karnataka), several conditions can impact ovarian health, including:

• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
• Pelvic infections
• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Benign or cancerous ovarian tumors

7 Warning Signs Women Must Not Ignore

Dr. Vani explains that ovarian problems develop silently, with symptoms that may appear routine but could be early indicators of serious disease:

• Missed periods or highly irregular cycles
• Pain in the abdomen or pelvic region
• Spotting between periods
• Bloating or a constant feeling of heaviness
• Persistent fatigue, nausea, or vomiting
• Excessive facial or body hair (common in PCOS)
• Any bleeding after menopause

Rising Cases of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is increasingly being reported in recent years. Because its early symptoms resemble common digestive or menstrual issues, most cases are detected at advanced stages.
Though it can occur at any age, the risk increases with age.

Factors That Increase the Risk

• Smoking
• Exposure to harmful chemicals like asbestos
• Long-term hormone replacement therapy
• Obesity
• Never having been pregnant
• Endometriosis
• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations

Genetic Factors Matter

If multiple women in a family have had breast or ovarian cancer, the chances of BRCA gene mutations rise significantly. Women with these mutations are often advised to undergo preventive removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes, which drastically lowers their cancer risk.

Why Early Detection Is Crucial

Early symptoms of ovarian cancer often mimic gas, acidity, indigestion, or mild menstrual discomfort, making regular screening essential — especially for women with higher risk.
Doctors may recommend:

• CA-125 blood test
• Transvaginal ultrasound
• Additional imaging tests if necessary

Diagnosis and Treatment

If cancer is suspected, doctors conduct investigations like ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or PET scan to determine staging. Treatment typically begins with surgical removal of the tumor, followed by chemotherapy or radiation depending on the stage.
Today, personalized medicine — using genetic analysis of the tumor (NGS tests) — helps doctors choose highly targeted treatments for better outcomes.