ABSTRACT
The ovary has two essential physiological responsibilities: the periodic release of oocytes and the production of the steroid hormones, estradiol, and progesterone. Both activities are integrated in the continuous repetitive process of follicle growth and maturation, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation and regression, which integrates the so-called ovarian cycle. The ovarian cycle is under pituitary gonadotropic control: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are synthesized and secreted by the pituitary and together play a central part in regulating the menstrual cycle and ovulation. Therefore, a basic knowledge of gonadotropic control of ovarian function is an essential requirement for a proper understanding of ovulation induction techniques using exogenously administered gonadotropins.
