ABSTRACT
The ovaries develop from the undifferentiated gonad which is present in the early embryo on the posterior abdominal wall close to the developing kidneys. In some cases, this development fails and the ovary on one or both sides is hypoplastic (‘streak ovaries’) or even absent. Menstruation may not occur or may cease early (‘primary ovarian failure’ or ‘premature menopause’), and circulating oestradiol levels will be low.
