An accumulation of many incompletely developed follicles in the ovaries. Many women who have this condition also have diabetes with insulin resistance. These ova fail to mature and ovulate, causing them to accumulate as cysts in the ovary and to contribute to infertility . Polycystic ovaries are two to five times as large as normal ovaries, and they have a white, thick, very tough outer covering. This condition is commonly called Stein-Leventhal syndrome and usually develops shortly after puberty .
Some women exhibit virilization .
Normal ovarian function is dependent on a number of hormones and 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, there is not currently enough evidence to prove a genetic link to the disease. Conception is frequently possible with proper surgical or medicinal treatments. Following conception, pregnancy is normally uneventful.