Endocrine

Reproduction of
Female

Physiology Department
Medical School, University of Sumatera Utara
Female Reproductive System
 Female Reproductive Cycle
• purpose is to produce gametes and prepare
the uterus for implantation

• menstrual vs estrous cycle

• on average 28 days in humans

• actually is two cycles

- ovarian cycle
- uterine cycle
Endocrine Control of the Ovarian Cycle
 Ovarian Cycle
• follicular phase
- follicular growth of the ovaries
- lasts 10-14 days
• ovulation
- release of egg around day 14

• luteal phase
- transformation of follicle into the
corpus luteum
 Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
• FSH stimulates follicular cells to transform into
granulosa cells

• convert androgens to estrogens

• LH also supports follicular development

• stimulates thecal cells to synthesize

Ovarian Cycle
 Estrogens

• estradiol, estrone, estriol

• main site of production = ovaries but can also

be produced in other tissues such as adipose

• bound to sex steroid binding globulin (SSBG)

Reproductive Effects of Estrogens
• growth/maturation of ovarian follicles
• increased motility of fallopian tubes
• endometrium growth
• thinning/alkalinization of cervical
mucus
• stimulates uterine muscles
• increased uterine sensitivity to oxytocin
• breast development, fat deposition
 Progesterone
• in non-pregnant women primarily secreted
by the corpus luteum

• effects are:
- progestational changes in the endometrium

- decreased uterine motility

- thickens cervical mucus

 Uterine Cycle
• menses
- menstrual bleeding

• proliferative phase
- endometrium adds a new layer of cells
(functional endometrium)
• secretory phase
- corpus luteum hormones enhance
endometrium secretions
The Uterus
 Hormonal Control of the Uterine Cycle
• the functional layer of the endometrium has
receptors for ovarian hormones
• estrogens stimulate growth during
proliferative phase

• progesterone stimulates growth during

secretory phase

• without implantation corpus luteum stops

producing hormones
Cycle of Ovulation and Menstruation
HORMONE CONTRACEPTION ?

MENOPOUSE ?
 Contraceptive Methods
• Contraceptive pill:
– Synthetic estrogen combined with synthetic
progesterone pills are taken once each day for 3
weeks after the last day of menstruation.
• Negative feedback inhibits ovulation.
– Placebo pill taken the 4th week permits
menstruation.
• Rhythm method:
– Women measure oral basal body temperature
upon awakening daily.
• On day of LH surge, there is a slight drop in basal
body temperature.
 Menopause
• Cessation of ovarian activity and
menstruation.
• Age ~ 50 years.
• Ovaries are depleted of follicles.
• Estradiol and inhibin withdrawl causes
hot flashes, and atrophy of the vaginal
wall.
– LH and FSH increase.