Ultrasonographic features of ovarian morphology capture nutritional and metabolic influences on the reproductive axis: implications for biomarker development in ovulatory disorders

Ultrasonographic imaging of ovarian morphology is used widely to inform reproductive health status in women. Metabolic disturbances induced by a negative energy balance (e.g. undernutrition) or positive energy balance (e.g. overnutrition, obesity) are known to drive or exacerbate reproductive dysfunction. Whether the utility of ultrasonographic metrics of ovarian morphology could be extended as biomarkers that detect and monitor the integration of metabolic and reproductive dysfunction is an emerging research area, and recent evidence is discussed. We note that unique variations in ovarian morphology emerge across the adiposity spectrum and highlight the potential for reproductive and metabolic `tipping points' upon which such morphological variations may be detected on ultrasonography.

Automated summary

Ultrasonographic imaging of ovarian morphology is widely used to assess women's reproductive health, with metabolic disturbances affecting reproductive function. Research explores the potential of ultrasonographic metrics as biomarkers for monitoring reproductive and metabolic dysfunction. Unique variations in ovarian morphology across the adiposity spectrum may indicate reproductive and metabolic 'tipping points'.