The left ovarian vein handles blood from the left ovary. The vein is found in the ligament that holds the ovary in place at the end of the fallopian tube. At the top of the ovary are a bundle of vessels known as the pampiniform plexus, the vein begins there. It ends at the left renal vein, where blood travels from the kidney to the right atrium of the heart via the inferior vena cava for a fresh supply of oxygen. Ovarian veins, also called gonadal veins, change as a woman matures. Blood flow to the ovaries increases for the release of an egg into the fallopian tube. During pregnancy, the ovaries stop working because a fetus is growing, so the veins reduce blood flow accordingly. In menopause, when eggs are no longer viable, blood flow again slows and stops. Blood clots within the left ovarian vein are possible. Thrombosis links to endometritis, gynecologic procedures, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Surgery used to be the best option, but many OB/GYNs prefer the use of blood thinners to reduce the clot.