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Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
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...

Oogenesis

Oogenesis

In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...

Oogenesis

Oogenesis

Oogenesis, the process of developing egg cells (female gametes), occurs within the ovaries and is fundamental to female fertility. This sequence begins during fetal development when diploid oogonia in the developing ovaries undergo mitotic divisions to produce primary oocytes. By birth, these primary oocytes enter prophase I of meiosis but become arrested in this stage, remaining suspended until puberty.
Each primary oocyte is surrounded by a layer of pre-granulosa cells, forming what is known...

Ovarian Cycle

Ovarian Cycle

The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...

Infertility in Females

Infertility in Females

Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse and affects about 10–15% of couples worldwide. The primary cause of female infertility is ovulatory disorders, which hinder the release of eggs. These disorders can be classified as hypothalamic amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and hyperprolactinemic anovulation disorders.
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

A Modified Technique for Inducing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Mice

A Modified Technique for Inducing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Mice

Published on: July 5, 2024

PCOS.

¹Academic Unit of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Bristol and St Michael's Hospital, Bristol, UK.

BMJ Clinical Evidence

|May 19, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This systematic review evaluates treatments for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder. It summarizes evidence on the effectiveness and safety of various interventions for PCOS symptoms and associated conditions.

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Evaluation of Hepatic Glucose Production in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mouse Model

Evaluation of Hepatic Glucose Production in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mouse Model

Published on: March 5, 2022

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Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

A Modified Technique for Inducing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Mice

A Modified Technique for Inducing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Mice

Published on: July 5, 2024

Evaluation of Hepatic Glucose Production in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mouse Model

Evaluation of Hepatic Glucose Production in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mouse Model

Published on: March 5, 2022

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Reproductive Medicine
Pharmacology

Background:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 10% of women in gynecology settings, with unclear overall population prevalence.
PCOS is linked to hirsutism, infertility, acne, weight gain, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and endometrial hyperplasia.

Purpose of the Study:

To systematically review and assess the effectiveness and safety of various treatments for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
To answer the clinical question regarding the effects of different therapeutic interventions for PCOS.

Main Methods:

Systematic review of 24 studies including systematic reviews, RCTs, and observational studies.
Searches conducted in Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library up to December 2007.
Inclusion of harms alerts from regulatory agencies (FDA, MHRA) and GRADE evaluation of evidence quality.

Main Results:

The review identified and evaluated evidence for multiple PCOS interventions.
Included interventions encompass pharmacological agents, lifestyle modifications, and physical treatments.

Conclusions:

Presents information on the effectiveness and safety of finasteride, flutamide, metformin, spironolactone, co-cyprindiol, weight loss interventions, ketoconazole, and mechanical hair removal for PCOS.
Provides a comprehensive overview of current treatment options based on available scientific evidence.