Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026

A Method to Study the Impact of Chemically-induced Ovarian Failure on Exercise Capacity and Cardiac Adaptation in Mice
Published on: April 7, 2014
The effect of selective estrogen receptor modulators on parameters of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis
1Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana 46284, USA. lplouffe@lilly.com
Abstract:
The SERMs currently in clinical practice or in late stages of clinical development have been studied primarily for their effects on the breast, cardiovascular, bone, and reproductive systems. The effect of SERMs on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis has not been the primary focus of the studies conducted thus far. However the effect of SERMs on the HPG axis and the associated regulation of endocrine parameters may play an important role in their overall clinical profile. In this review the effects of selected SERMs on the HPG axis in premenopausal women, postmenopausal women, and men are summarized.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Hormonal Regulation
Target Cell Response to Hormones
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Menopause

