What condition is characterized by the presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by the presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries. In this condition, hormonal imbalances lead to the development of numerous small fluid-filled sacs, or cysts, in the ovaries. This condition is associated with a range of symptoms including irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), and weight gain.

The cysts in PCOS are typically small and are a result of immature follicles that fail to ovulate. The condition not only affects ovarian function but also has implications for metabolic health, increasing the risk of conditions such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The diagnosis is often made based on clinical criteria as well as ultrasound findings that reveal enlarged ovaries with multiple follicles.

Other choices mention conditions that affect women's reproductive health but do not primarily feature the presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries. For example, endometriosis involves the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, ovarian cancer involves malignant growths in the ovaries, and uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus itself, not the ovaries. Each of these conditions has its own distinct pathology and clinical presentation separate from PCOS.