Endocrine associations with polycystic ovaries Women with normal menstrual cycles could have polycystic ovaries on ultrasound scan. Furthermore certain endocrine problems could be associated with polycystic ovaries. So total reliance on ultrasound only should be avoided. The list  includes: Hypothyroidism High prolactin level Adrenal enzyme deficiencies Hypothalamic dysfunction Polycystic ovarian syndrome   Normal women with polycystic-appearing ovaries   Up to 20% of 'normal' women have polycystic ovaries without any specific symptoms or signs. However many of them might have increased risks and similar morbidity as related to PCOS. This includes subtle metabolic and endocrine abnormalities including:  Low high density lipoprotein-cholesterol Evidence of insulin resistance  Androgenic ovarian response to stimulation with gonadotrophins  Low serum progesterone during the luteal phase of natural cycles Furthermore they have the same risk of excessive response and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome to induction of ovulation as patients with PCOS