The Stein Leventhal syndrome, non commonly referred to a4 polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) has provided a focus for application of n o \ methods of investigation of the ovary. The first description of the condition referred to 7 women; subsequent large-scale studies have confirmed menstrual irregularity, hirsutism and infertility as the principal symptoms.PCOD has been shown to be associated with certain histopathological changci in the ovaries, notably capsular thickening, subcapsular follicular c y j t \ and hyperplasia of the theca interna, with or without follicular atresia.The development of urine hormone assays allowed the endocrine bash of PCOD to be described. Urine determinations have now been largely replaced by assays in biood and profiles of hormone changes in PCOD have been proposed. The significant changes are high, fluctuating levels of luteiniring hormone, r a i d oestrone and androgen concentrations. Oestradiol and follicle stimulating hormone levels are often reduced. Other abnormalities underlying PCOD include defects in