Endocrine disorder in women, characterized by high levels of male hormones (androgens) and infrequent or absent ovulation (see reproductive system). It causes a high proportion of female infertility cases. Symptoms vary but often include increased serum concentrations of androgens, insulin resistance, hirsutism, acne, and obesity. Menstruation may be irregular, absent, or excessive. The ovaries are usually enlarged and contain cysts. The disease may remain undiagnosed until a woman tries to conceive. The underlying cause is not fully understood, and no genetic mutations have been associated with the syndrome. Many women with Stein-Leventhal syndrome are at an increased risk of developing metabolic disorders such as type II diabetes or lipid disorders such as atherosclerosis at an unusually young age. Treatment attempts to reduce androgen production. Infertility may be treated with clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins to induce ovulation.
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In zoology, the female reproductive organ (see reproductive system) that produces eggs and sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone). Human females have two ovaries, almond-shaped organs about 1.5 in. (4 cm) long. They contain hollow balls of cells (follicles) that hold immature eggs. About 150,000–500,000 follicles usually are present at birth; by young adulthood, only about 34,000 remain. The number continues to decrease until menopause, when the few remaining follicles decay and the ovaries shrink and produce far less estrogen. Only 300–400 follicles mature and release an egg, which develops into an embryo if fertilized or, if not, passes from the body with menstruation. In botany, an ovary is the enlarged base of a flower's female organ (pistil). It contains ovules, which develop into seeds when fertilized, and matures into a fruit.
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