Abnormal ovarian function sometimes causes incompletely-developed follicles (ova) to accumulate in the ovaries. These ova fail to mature and be released from the ovaries. The ova accumulate as cysts in the ovary, contributing to infertility.
Polycystic ovaries are two to five times larger than normal ovaries, and they have a white, thick, tough outer covering. This condition is commonly called Stein-Leventhal syndrome, and usually develops shortly after puberty.
A woman with polycystic ovaries stops menstruating, menstruates erratically, or may not have ever menstruated. She will gain weight, eventually becoming obese. She may develop excessive amounts of facial or body hair (hirsutism). Some women exhibit virilization, or development of male characteristics.
Although the cause of Stein-Leventhal is not fully understood, there are several theories suggesting that problems with estrogen production and hypothalamic-ovarian feedback may be responsible.
Normal ovarian function is dependent on a number of hormones. Failure of one or more of these hormones to be produced at the right time, in the proper concentration, can interfere with normal development.
Ovarian function will not proceed normally if a woman's body does not produce sufficient amounts of pituitary hormones. However, an increase in the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is one of the hormones normally produced in the brain by the pituitary gland, may stimulate the underdeveloped ova to mature and be released from the ovary.
Women diagnosed with this disorder frequently have a mother or sister with similar symptoms commonly associated with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). However, there is not currently enough evidence to prove a genetic link to the disease.
Conception is frequently possible with proper surgical or medical treatments. Following conception, pregnancy is usually uneventful.
