Hormone effects on follicular growth and differentiation

The mammalian ovary plays two major roles in the female system: the production of female gametes and the synthesis and secretion of steroid and peptide hormones. These functions start before birth and continue until women enter the stage of menopause. Steroid and peptide hormones from the ovary regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, ovarian function, and women’s systemic health. The production of female gametes is dependent on steroid and peptide hormones. Here, we introduce the critical bioactive steroid and peptide hormones involved in the processes of folliculogenesis, resumption of meiosis, and ovulation.