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Polycystic Ovaries

Meaning

Polycystic Ovaries, in a morphological context, describes the presence of multiple small, immature follicles—often twelve or more—arranged peripherally beneath the ovarian capsule, typically visualized via transvaginal ultrasound. This structural characteristic is a common feature, but not a mandatory criterion, of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a complex endocrine disorder. It reflects a disruption in the normal follicular maturation process, where follicles develop but fail to reach the dominant stage for ovulation. The presence of polycystic ovaries is often associated with hyperandrogenism and ovulatory dysfunction.