Hormonal Biophysiology of the Uterus

Abstract

Intrauterine development of the uterus is promoted by the hormonal influence of the maternal steroid sex hormones on the female fetus. The cyclic activity of the endometrium starts at puberty, at menarche, and is controlled by the pituitary hormones (FSH and LH) and steroid ovarian hormones, the latter acting on the target tissue-the endometrium. The proliferative and secretory cyclic changes of the endometrium prepare the uterus for implantation of a fertilized ovum. Ovarian failure to secrete steroid hormones results in the menopausal gradual atrophy of the endometrium.

Keywords: Decidua; Endometrial atrophy; Endometrial dating; GnRH; Gonadotropins; Ovulation; Proliferative endometrium; Receptor-hormone complex; Secretory endometrium; Spiral arterioles.