The endocrinology of ovarian steroid secretion

Cyclical ovarian function is totally dependent on the secretion of gonadotropic hormones from the anterior pituitary. The synthesis and release of these tropic hormones is controlled on the one hand by hypothalamic releasing hormones, and on the other by the feedback of steroid hormones secreted by the ovary. This paper will review briefly the hormones secreted by the hypothalamus, pituitary and in particular the ovary and discuss the interrelationships between these hormones (i.e. the HP0 axis).