The Ovarian Cycle

Abstract

The "ovarian cycle" is an exquisite and dynamic endocrine system that includes ovarian events, hypothalamic-pituitary interactions, uterine endometrial and myometrial changes during implantation and pregnancy, cervical alterations in structure, and breast development. The ovarian cycle and the steroid hormones produced by the ovary also impact epithelial cancer development in the ovary, uterus, cervix, and breast. This chapter provides a personal view of recent developments that occur in this complex endocrine environment.

Keywords: Apoptosis; Follicles; Granulosa cell tumors; Hypothalamus–pituitary axis; Implantation; Ovarian cancer; Ovary; Ovulation; PCOS; POF; Pregnancy; Uterine biology.