Ovarian morphology in oligomenorrhea.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Gynecologic Pathology

Background:

• Oligomenorrhea is a common gynecological complaint.
• Polycystic ovaries are frequently observed in such cases, but the underlying histological features require detailed examination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the ovarian histology in patients presenting with oligomenorrhea.
• To correlate histological findings with potential hormonal imbalances.

Main Methods:

• Histological examination of ovarian tissue from 38 patients with oligomenorrhea.
• Classification of ovaries based on appearance: polycystic, normal, small/inactive, or with chromosomal anomalies.

Main Results:

• 22 patients had polycystic ovaries, characterized by restricted follicular maturation (antral follicles ≤ 4-5 mm) and excessive luteinized thecal cells.
• 11 patients had normal ovaries, 3 had small/inactive ovaries, and 2 had chromosomal anomalies.
• Polycystic changes are attributed to atretic follicles with persistent luteinized thecal cells, possibly linked to low tonic FSH and abnormal LH secretion.

Conclusions:

• Restricted follicular maturation in polycystic ovaries may result from low tonic follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion.
• Persistent luteinized thecal cells suggest abnormal luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, contributing to polycystic ovarian morphology.
• Despite histological abnormalities, ovulation occurs frequently in these patients, with the mechanism remaining unclear.