Female Reproductive Physiology

granulosa cells

FSH stimulates what cells?

follicle growth

↑ aromatase → estrogen production

Actions of FSH

theca cells---> androgen production

LH stimulates what cells?

LH

what hormone triggers ovulation?

LH

hormone that maintains corpus luteum

FSH

hormone that increases aromatase --> estrogen production

negative feedback on GnRH/FSH/LH

how does low estrogen effect the HPO axis?

positive feedback → LH surge → ovulation

how does high sustained estrogen impact the HPO axis?

progesterone

______ has a negative feedback on GnRH

FSH

follicular phase is dominated by what hormone?

Begins with menses

Dominated by FSH

Ovarian follicles mature

Granulosa cells ↑ estrogen

main events of the follicular phase

LH surge --> ovulation

what does the follicular phase end with?

progesterone

what hormone dominates luteal phase?

Dominated by progesterone

Corpus luteum forms

Prepares uterus for implantation

Fixed length (~14 days)

main events of the luteal phase

➡️ Corpus luteum regresses → ↓ progesterone → menses

what causes menses if there is no pregnancy?

follicular and luteal

what are the phases of the menstrual cycle?

-proliferative phase (coincides with follicular)

-secretory phase (coincides with luteal)

what are the phases of the endometrium?

estrogen

the proliferative phase of the endometrium is driven by

Endometrium thickens

Glands are straight

Prepares for ovulation

main events of the proliferative phase

progesterone

the secretory phase is driven by

Endometrium becomes glandular & vascular

Glands become coiled

Ideal for implantation

main events of secretory phase

estrogen, progesterone

______ builds the endometrium, _______ stabilizes it