On the relationship between endocrine and ovulatory abnormalities, and polycystic ovaries as diagnosed by ultrasonography.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between serum testosterone levels, the menstrual cycle, and polycystic ovaries as shown by ultrasonographic methods. The patients were divided into four groups: (1) cases with normal-appearing ovaries and with regular menstruation (control); (2) cases with normal ovaries on ultrasound, but with abnormalities of the menstrual cycle (MA); (3) cases with polycystic ovaries, but normal menstrual cycle (PCO); (4) cases with both polycystic ovaries and menstrual abnormalities (PCOMA). The results were as follows. (1) The ovarian area was significantly larger in the PCOMA group than in the control group. (2) The number of cases with elevated LH (greater than 30 mIU/mL) was significantly higher in the PCOMA group than in the other groups. (3) In comparison with controls, the percentage of cases with LH/FSH ratios greater than 3.0 was significantly higher in all three groups. (4) The estrone/17 beta-estradiol ratio for the PCOMA group was significantly greater than those of the other groups. (5) The testosterone levels of the PCO and PCOMA group were significantly greater than the control value. (6) The percentage of endocrine criteria (LH greater than 30 mIU/mL or LH/FSH ratio greater than 3.0, estrone/17 beta estradiol ratio greater than 1.0 testosterone greater than 75, greater than 100, and greater than 125 ng/dL) for PCOMA was significantly higher than that of the MA group and the control group, but not significantly greater than the PCO group. It is suggested that morphological changes in the ovaries show a closer correlation with abnormalities of endocrine function than does the presence or absence of abnormalities of the menstrual cycle.