The female organs that make the body's reproductive hormones and eggs are called ovaries. They work most of our life under the control of our brain. Sometimes they may fail to function normally. This happens when a rare form of growth in the ovary, called a functioning tumor, takes over. These are not always tumors in the form of life-threatening cancers, but they still need to be treated. The female and male hormones can be made by these tumors, so a lot of different problems can result.

If the female hormone, estrogen, is overproduced you can see:
* early development in a young girl of breasts and hair,
* a change in a woman's period, or
* bleeding in women who are menopausal.

If a male hormone, such as testosterone, is over produced you'll notice:
* growth of facial hair,
* severe acne,
* changes in the opening to the birth canal, and
* changes in the menstrual period.

This can be confusing and frightening if this is happening to you or your child. Treatment can stop most of these changes, especially if done early. Your doctor will need to do many blood and urine tests to determine the right treatment plan. An ultrasound, a test using sound waves to study the ovaries, may be needed. After special tests may determine which of your two ovaries is involved.

Once found, surgery is usually required to remove the tumor. The tissue removed will be tested for cancer. If cancer is found, more surgery, cancer fighting drugs, or radiation therapy may be suggested. If no cancer is found, recovery is usually complete and rapid. Children affected by a functioning tumor will regain normal development after treatment.

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