The Role of Steroids in Follicular Growth

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Drummond Ann E

Primary Institution: Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research

The action of steroids within the ovary is based on the developmental status of the follicle.

Steroid hormones play important regulatory roles in the ovary, and their absence or excess can compromise ovarian function and fertility.

Progestins are mainly involved in ovulation, while androgens can both promote and impede follicular growth.
Oestrogens are essential for folliculogenesis beyond the antral stage and maintain the female phenotype of ovarian somatic cells.
Knockout studies show that the absence of specific steroid receptors leads to infertility.

Steroids help the ovaries grow and release eggs, and without them, the ovaries can't work properly.

This review discusses the roles of steroid hormones in follicular development and includes models of ovarian dysfunction.

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