SECRETION OF OVARIAN HORMONES

(Periovulatory Phase)
 LUTEAL PHASE
formation of corpuz luteum
formation granulosa lutein cells
(filled with lipids) release inhibin A
theca cells and other cells infiltrate
the granulosa cells
programmed to live for 14 days (plus
or minus 2) unless rescued by HCG. Corpuz Hemorrhagicum

Formation of corpuz albicans

corpuz luteum is turned into scar-
like body (luteolysis)
CYCLIC CHANGES IN HORMONE SECRETION

OVARY - primary clock for

menstrual cycle
 UTERUS

endometrium

myometrium

perimetrium
 ENDOMETRIUM

Two layers
Functional Zone (Stratum
Functionalis)
undergoes cyclic changes in
response to ovarian hormones
lost during menstruation
Basal Zone (Stratum Basalis)
thin layer and deeper layer
remains after menstruation
UTERINE CYCLE
 LH
FSH LH

ESTROGEN PROGESTERON
E
 MENOPAUSE
period during which
the cycle ceases and
female sex hormones
diminish to almost
none.
cause is burning out of
ovaries
age of onset has strong
genetic component
 MENOPAUSE

can be influenced by
environmental factors
physiologic changes
hot flushes
psychic sensation of
dyspnea / psychotic states
irritability and fatigue
decreased strength and
calcification of bones
 OVARIAN HORMONES
Estrogen (Estradiol)
promotes proliferation and growth of specific
cells in the body
responsible for the development of 2o sexual
characteristics of the female
Progestins (Progesterone)
concerned almost entirely with final
preparation of the uterus for pregnancy and
breast for lactation
Basic Roles of Gonadal Hormones

support gametogenesis (Oogenesis)

maintenance of female reproductive tract
maintenance of secondary sex
characteristics
maintenance of libido
 ESTROGEN
naturally occurring estrogens
17 estradiol (reproductive years)
estriol (pregnancy)
estrone (menopause)
bound to albumin (60%) and estrogen
binding globulin (38%) -- free (2%)
secreted by the ovarian follicles,
corpus luteum and adrenal cortex
 Biosynthesis of Estrogen

Ganong. Review of Medical Physiology, 24th Edition

Ganong. Review of Medical Physiology, 24th Edition
Nuclear Estrogen Receptors (ER)

ER and ER
(6) (14)

TR - 1 TR 1 and TR 2
Heart brain pituitary
Skeletal muscle liver hypothalamus
kidney cochlea
 Biologic Effects of Estrogen
On the ovary
facilitates growth of
ovarian follicles
On the uterus
promotes proliferation
of endometrial tissues
increases the size and
blood flow in the uterus
causes uterine
contraction
 Biologic Effects of Estrogen
On the fallopian tube
increases the size and
motility of fallopian tube
promotes proliferation of
the mucosal lining
On the cervix
makes mucus thinner, more
alkaline and more elastic
(Spinnbarkeit)
stretched up to 8 12 cm
 Biologic Effects
On the vagina
causes enlargement of the vagina
cornification of vaginal epithelium
(stratified type)
On secondary female sexual characteristics.
promotes the development of secondary
sexual characteristics (feminizing hormone)
and in absence of testicular androgen
 Biologic Effects
On protein deposition
causes slight increase in protein deposition
Effect on fat deposition
causes an increase in fat deposition
On the breast
promotes proliferation of stromal tissue
growth hormone of breast and cause pigmentation (girls)
causes growth and development of ductile
system of the breast
swelling, tenderness and pain
 Biologic Effects
On the skeleton
Increases osteoblastic activity and apoptosis of osteoclasts.
Bone anabolic and calciotropic effect.
Required for closure of the epiphysial plate of long bones
in both sexes.
Liver
Improves circulating lipoprotein profiles
Increases expression of LDL receptor
Increases circulating levels of HDL
 Biologic Effects
On the cardiovascular system
promotes vasodilatation (nitric oxide)
plasma cholesterol lowering action.
On the integument (estrogen and progesterone)
Maintain a healthy, smooth skin with normal epidermal
and dermal thickness
Stimulates proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of
keratinocytes.
Dermis stimulates collagen synthesis
 Biologic Effects
On the Endocrine organs
FSH secretion
LH (positive feedback) and LH secretion (negative
feedback)
of angiotensinogen and thyroid binding globulin
CNS
proliferation of dendrites in neurons (neuroprotective)
libido in humans
 PROGESTERONE

mainly bound to albumin and

progesterone binding globulin
secreted by the ovary and adrenal
cortex
 Biologic Effects of Progesterone
On the uterus
Promotes the development of the secretory functions of
the uterus
Causes uterine relaxation
On the fallopian tube
Promotes the development of secretory glands

On the breast
Promotes the development of lobuloalveolar system of the
breast.
Pattern of Gonadotropin Secretion
Throughout Life