Ovarian morphology in oligomenorrhea

An account is given of the ovarian histology on 38 patients complaining of oligomenorrhea. The majority of these patients, 22, had polycystic ovaries, but in 11 the ovaries were comparatively normal in appearance. In another 3 they were small and inactive. The remaining 2 cases had chromosomal anomalies. The polycystic ovaries could be divided into two groups, one showing little follicular activity, the other a great deal. The maturation of most follicles in all ovaries appeared to be restricted and antral follicles rarely grew beyond a diameter of 4-5 mm. It is suggested that this degree of maturation is related to a low tonic secretion of FSH. An excessive production of luteinized thecal cells was found around most antral follicles. Polycystic change in these ovaries is mainly due to the presence of many atretic follicles. Luteinized thecal cells persist after atresia and it is suggested that this may be the result of a tonic secretion of LH. The lack of preantral and antral follicles in one group of polycystic ovaries may indicate a prolongation of the atretic process. Ovulation occurs with considerable frequency in these women. The mechanism is obscure.