Polycystic ovaries are characterized by the presence of ten or moresmall
follicles in the cortex of the ovary. They are thought to be inherited snd
linked with premature balding in men.. They are a common cause of ovarian
dysfunction. In a mild form they may not have any significant effect on either
menstrual regularity or ovulation but they may impiar fertility with a higher
risk of miscarriage. The most sver form of Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- the Stein-Levanthal syndrome - is associated with obesity, amenhorrhoea, and
infertility.