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The pineal gland and the menstrual cycle
1Department of Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461.
The International Journal of Neuroscience
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, may modulate the female reproductive system by influencing the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Abnormal melatonin function could contribute to menstrual disorders like amenorrhea.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- The menstrual cycle is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
- Neural and humoral signals integrate to control gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of melatonin in regulating the menstrual cycle.
- To investigate melatonin's influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and its potential involvement in menstrual disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of animal studies on melatonin's effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
- Analysis of the neuroendocrine mechanisms controlling GnRH pulse generation.
Main Results:
- Melatonin influences hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator frequency.
- The pineal gland, via melatonin, may modulate menstrual cyclicity.
- Abnormal melatonin function is implicated in hypothalamic amenorrhea.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin plays a significant modulatory role in the neuroendocrine control of the female reproductive system.
- Understanding melatonin's function offers new insights into menstrual cycle regulation and disorders.