This study investigated the prevalence of polycystic ovaries (PCO) in women with anovulation or idiopathic hirsutism. Among 173 women referred to a gynaecological endocrine clinic, 26% of those with amenorrhoea, 87% with oligomenorrhoea, and 92% with idiopathic hirsutism had PCO. Most women with PCO had at least one endocrine abnormality, such as elevated luteinising hormone (LH), LH:follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio, or testosterone. PCO were very common in anovulatory women (57% of cases) and were not necessarily associated with hirsutism or elevated LH. Most women with hirsutism and regular menses had PCO, suggesting that "idiopathic" hirsutism is no longer appropriate. The study also found that PCO were the most common diagnosis in women with oligomenorrhoea and idiopathic hirsutism. In women with PCO and amenorrhoea, only 21% had no hirsutism or acne, normal LH, and normal testosterone and androstenedione levels. The study supports the use of pelvic ultrasound as a precise and non-invasive method for diagnosing PCO. It suggests that PCO may be a non-specific response of the ovary to various causes of chronic anovulation, but the cause of PCO remains unknown. The study also found that PCO were more common in women with idiopathic hirsutism, suggesting a possible primary ovarian disorder. The study on risk factors for uterine fibroids found that reproductive experiences were closely linked to the development of fibroids. Women with more term pregnancies had lower risk of fibroids. Oral contraceptive use was also associated with reduced risk, with a 31% reduction in risk for women who had used oral contraceptives for 10 years. Weight and cigarette smoking were also associated with reduced risk of fibroids. These risk factors have previously been identified as risk factors for endometrial cancer, suggesting that the underlying risk factor may be "unopposed" estrogen. The study highlights the importance of understanding the epidemiology and aetiology of fibroids.This study investigated the prevalence of polycystic ovaries (PCO) in women with anovulation or idiopathic hirsutism. Among 173 women referred to a gynaecological endocrine clinic, 26% of those with amenorrhoea, 87% with oligomenorrhoea, and 92% with idiopathic hirsutism had PCO. Most women with PCO had at least one endocrine abnormality, such as elevated luteinising hormone (LH), LH:follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio, or testosterone. PCO were very common in anovulatory women (57% of cases) and were not necessarily associated with hirsutism or elevated LH. Most women with hirsutism and regular menses had PCO, suggesting that "idiopathic" hirsutism is no longer appropriate. The study also found that PCO were the most common diagnosis in women with oligomenorrhoea and idiopathic hirsutism. In women with PCO and amenorrhoea, only 21% had no hirsutism or acne, normal LH, and normal testosterone and androstenedione levels. The study supports the use of pelvic ultrasound as a precise and non-invasive method for diagnosing PCO. It suggests that PCO may be a non-specific response of the ovary to various causes of chronic anovulation, but the cause of PCO remains unknown. The study also found that PCO were more common in women with idiopathic hirsutism, suggesting a possible primary ovarian disorder. The study on risk factors for uterine fibroids found that reproductive experiences were closely linked to the development of fibroids. Women with more term pregnancies had lower risk of fibroids. Oral contraceptive use was also associated with reduced risk, with a 31% reduction in risk for women who had used oral contraceptives for 10 years. Weight and cigarette smoking were also associated with reduced risk of fibroids. These risk factors have previously been identified as risk factors for endometrial cancer, suggesting that the underlying risk factor may be "unopposed" estrogen. The study highlights the importance of understanding the epidemiology and aetiology of fibroids.