OVARIESBoth a reproductive organ, and an endocrine gland
Where are the ovaries located?
The ovaries are located in the pelvis, on either side of the uterus.
They are connected to each other through the fallopian tubes.
Each ovary is roughly the size on an almond.
What key hormones do the ovaries produce?
Estrogen
Progesterone
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
Each of these four hormones have their own special tasks to complete!
FSH and LH
FSH is a hormone that :
Is produced in pituitary glandIs carried to ovaries through bloodProduces FOLLICLES
FOLLICLES ARE THE SITE OF ESTROGEN
LH is a hormone that :
Is produced in the pituitary glandRecycles the unused follicles produced by FSHTransforms those follicles into CORPUS LUTEUM
CORPUS LUTEUM IS THE SITE OF PROGESTERONE
PROGESTERONE
Progesterone’s main purpose is to promote the survival and development of the fetus.
Progesterone levels tend to rise and fall dramatically.
During ovulation, Progesterone levels sky rocket, in order to promote pregnancy.
Once progesterone levels fall again, and the cycle repeats itself.
If a woman fails to ovulate during her cycle, it is most likely because of little progesterone production.
When progesterone levels decrease, estrogen levels increase. This imbalance can be toxic.
ESTROGEN
Estrogen is extremely important in the growth and development of the female body.
Causes changes in the breasts during adolescence and pregnancy.
Controls growth of the endomertium (uterine lining) during the menstrual cycle in preparation of a fertilized egg
Estrogen is secreted through the follicles.
The Female Menstrual Cycle
Phase Description of Events Hormone Produced
Days
flow Menstruation (bleeding) 1-5
follicular Follicles Develop in Ovaries
estrogen 6-13
ovulation Oocyte bursts form ovary 14
luteal Corpus Luteum forms, endometrium thickens
Estrogen and progesterone
15-28
Approximately 1 egg matures after each menstrual cycle. 1 egg each month!
PCOS- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Cells grow in order to build tissues. Tissues build
organs.
PCOS, is the rapid production of cells.
All unused cells build and form tissue cysts.
These tissue cysts cause the ovaries to shut down.
No ovaries = no eggs. No eggs = infertility.
How can PCOS be treated?
The number one treatment for PCOS is Inducing Ovulation.
Inducing ovulation means injecting a medication that stimulates the follicles located on the ovary. The following medications are ones that do so:
Chlomifine Citrate
Metformin
Injectable gonadotrophins
IVF (In vitro fertilization)
QUIZ
1. How are the ovaries connected?
a.) through the pelvis
b.) through the fallopian tubes
c.) through the blood
d.) all of the above
ANSWER: B
2. Which of the following is not produced nor used by the ovaries?
a.) FSH
b.) Estrogen
c.) ADH
d.) Progesterone
ANSWER : C
3. In comparison to Adrenaline, Progesterone is a fast-acting hormone.
TRUE
FALSE
ANSWER : FALSE
4. All ovarian cysts are cancerous and dangerous.
TRUE
FALSE
ANSWER : FALSE
5. Which of the following is not one of the four phases of the female menstrual cycle?
a.) Flow phase
b.) Follicular phase
c.) Corpus phase
d.) Luteal phase
e.) Ovulation phase
ANSWER : C
