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Oxford Textbook of Endocrinology and Diabetes$
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Oxford Textbook of Endocrinology and Diabetes (2 ed.)

Edited by John A.H. Wass, Paul M. Stewart, Stephanie A. Amiel, Melanie C. Davies

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Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Print Publication Date:
Jul 2011
Print ISBN-13:
9780199235292
Published to Oxford Medicine:
Jul 2011
DOI:
10.1093/med/9780199235292.001.1

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Disclaimer

Oxford University Press makes no representation, express or implied, that the drug dosages in this book are correct. Readers must therefore always check the product information and clinical procedures with the most up to date published product information and data sheets provided by the manufacturers and the most recent codes of conduct and safety regulations. The authors and the publishers do not accept responsibility or legal liability for any errors in the text or for the misuse or misapplication of material in this work. Except where otherwise stated, drug dosages and recommendations are for the non-pregnant adult who is not breastfeeding.

Contents

Menstrual cycle and ovulation

Chapter:
Menstrual cycle and ovulation
Author(s):

William L. Ledger

DOI:
10.1093/med/9780199235292.003.0809

The drive to reproduce is the most basic imperative followed by all animal and plant species. The human race has demonstrated great efficiency in increasing its numbers despite relatively low reproductive efficiency when compared with many other species. Humans are monotocous, and the coordinated ovarian and uterine cycles that are evidenced by monthly menstruation serve the purpose of preparing the uterus for implantation at the time when a single fertilized oocyte has completed its journey along the Fallopian tube and into the uterine cavity. Failure of the ovarian or uterine cycles at any point can lead to infertility, and eventual depletion of the pool of primordial follicles within the ovaries results in menopause with cessation of menses and clinical symptoms of hypo-oestrogenism.

This chapter will describe the physiology of the ovarian and uterine cycles with particular reference to the various pathological consequences that can result when the complex mechanisms that regulate the processes fail to function.

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