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Related Concept Videos

Ovarian Cycle01:27

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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...
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The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
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...
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The proliferative phase typically occurs after menstruation and lasts between 6 to 13 days in a standard 28-day cycle. This phase involves the reconstruction of the endometrium, guided by estrogen produced by the developing ovarian follicle.
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The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
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Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle01:30

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The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
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Hormones intricately bind to receptors on the surface or within target cells, initiating a cascade of cellular responses.
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...
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Progesterone - Friend or foe?

Inger Sundström-Poromaa1, Erika Comasco2, Rachael Sumner3

  • 1Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Sweden.

Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology
|July 31, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Progesterone and its metabolite allopregnanolone offer potential treatments for postpartum depression. However, their effects on mood in premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder require further investigation.

Keywords:
AllopregnanoloneEmotionHormonal contraceptivesPostpartum depressionPremenstrual dysphoric disorderProgesterone

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Neuroscience
  • Women's Health

Background:

  • Estradiol is a primary female sex hormone, but progesterone is often overlooked.
  • Progesterone and its metabolite, allopregnanolone, play crucial roles in female physiology and mood.
  • Current understanding of progesterone's dual effects necessitates further research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review the biological properties, functions, and mood effects of progesterone and allopregnanolone in women.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of allopregnanolone for mood disorders.
  • To identify unmet needs in contraception and management of premenstrual disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent research on progesterone and allopregnanolone.
  • Analysis of biological properties, physiological functions, and neuropsychiatric effects.
  • Synthesis of findings related to mood disorders and therapeutic applications.

Main Results:

  • Allopregnanolone shows promise for treating postpartum depression (PPD).
  • Progesterone's metabolite, allopregnanolone, may exacerbate symptoms in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
  • The beneficial and detrimental effects of progesterone are not fully understood.

Conclusions:

  • Allopregnanolone is a potential therapeutic agent for PPD.
  • Further research is critical to understand progesterone's complex role in women's mood and to develop safe treatments for PMS, PMDD, and contraception.