Female Reproduction System, Molecular Biology of

Abstract

The female reproductive system consists of the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovaries, breasts, and uterus. These organs make up a finely tuned system that controls puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and birth, lactation, and menopause. With the tools available through molecular biological approaches, we are able to come to a greater understanding of the complex interactions that operate in this system. The hormones, growth factors, and enzymes that are able to exert unique and specific effects in this system do so either locally or via endocrine mechanisms. The elucidation of the molecules involved in this regulation and their mechanisms of action leads to a better understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of reproduction, and provides the potential means for developing better methods to control fertility and infertility.

Outlined below are some of the major hormonal regulatory systems that are important in the female reproductive processes.