Polycystic Ovarian Disease

Polycystic ovarian disease, or polyfollicular ovarian disease, as Dr. Fut- terweit prefers to call it, is a disease of uncertain etiology and for which numerous modes of therapy have been advanced. Understanding of its pathophysiology should shed light on factors regulating normal ovarian function; the converse is also true. Recent years have brought about great understanding of the neuro- endocrine regulation of gonadal function, as well as of factors in the microenvironment of the ovary which affect its function. It is also ap- preciated that cases classified as polycystic ovarian disease actually rep- resent a clinical and pathological spectrum which may reflect the effects of diverse etiological factors. In the present volume, Dr. Futterweit presents the fruits of his long interest in and extensive experience with this disease. He thoroughly and thoughtfully reviews the vast amount of basic and clinical information that has been garnered with regard to this condition over the past decade. The numerous theories that have been advanced to explain its etiology are presented in balanced fashion, in addition to a hypothesis, which is well formulated and amenable to clinical testing. His clinical interests and judgment are well represented by his presentation of the diverse manifestations of this condition, the approach to proper diagnosis, and the available therapeutic options. Patients with this disease represent diagnostic and therapeutic prob- lems in a situation where manifestations of disease may lead to major emotional stress.