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Review
. 2019 Jan 4;7(1):5.
doi: 10.3390/biomedicines7010005.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis Disorders Impacting Female Fertility

Sasha Mikhael  1   2 , Advaita Punjala-Patel  3 , Larisa Gavrilova-Jordan  4   5
Affiliations
Review

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis Disorders Impacting Female Fertility

Sasha Mikhael et al. Biomedicines. .

Abstract

The hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis is a tightly regulated system controlling female reproduction. HPO axis dysfunction leading to ovulation disorders can be classified into three categories defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). Group I ovulation disorders involve hypothalamic failure characterized as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Group II disorders display a eugonadal state commonly associated with a wide range of endocrinopathies. Finally, group III constitutes hypergonadotropic hypogonadism secondary to depleted ovarian function. Optimal evaluation and management of these disorders is based on a careful analysis tailored to each patient. This article reviews ovulation disorders based on pathophysiologic mechanisms, evaluation principles, and currently available management options.

Keywords: WHO ovulation disorders; hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis; infertility; ovulatory dysfunction; primary ovarian insufficiency.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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