Abstract
It is well recognized that ultradian rhythms of circulating gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), play a central role in mammalian reproduction. The pulsatile secretion of these gonadotropins, particularly LH, is generally believed to be directly correlated to the episodic discharge of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) into the pituitary portal circulation. Numerous experimental studies, as well as investigations into pathophysiological conditions in females, have unequivocally concluded that alterations in the periodicity of episodic gonadotropin secretion have a profound impact on reproductive cyclicity. The aim of this chapter is to delineate our current understanding of the changes in gonadotropin secretion that occur as a consequence of mammalian female aging, and to address the possibility that such changes may contribute to the cessation of human menstrual cyclicity.
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Matt, D.W., Kerbeshian, M.C., Pincus, S.M., Veldhuis, J.D., Evans, W.S. (2000). Alterations in the Pattern of Gonadotropin Secretion During the Menopausal Transition. In: Bellino, F.L. (eds) Biology of Menopause. Serono Symposia USA. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-21628-7_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-21628-7_4
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