Endocrine Control Female Reproduction 2

Question 1

Describe the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.

Answer 1

• Axis activated at menarche and continues until menopause
• Regulated by pulsatile GnRH, stimulates LH and FSH
• LH and FSH stimulates ovarian sex hormone production
  
  • Estradiol and progesterone
  • LH surge required for normal ovulation

Question 2

What are some regulators of GnRH pulse frequency.

Answer 2

• dopamine
• serotonin
• opioids
• GABA
• glutamate
• NPY
• norepinephrine
• corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH)
• leptin