Regulation of Ovarian Activity

The ovary is not an autonomous organ; its functional capacity is influenced by the wide variety of external stimuli which are funneled into the central nervous system and then. Translated into chemical messengers which act directly upon it. Perhaps all endocrine glands have at least a modulating influence upon the production of gametes and hormones by the gonads. The ovary is most profoundly regulated by the pituitary gonadotropins, namely follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH).

The growth and development of ovarian follicles of mammals depend upon FSH, but LH is required for final maturation. LH acts upon FSH-primed follicles and stimulates estrogen secretion. Corpora lutea secrete progesterone. Its maintenance and secretion is under the influence of Prolactin, a hormone of the pituitary also known as luteotropic hormone. Prolactin is not a luteotropic hormone in the majority of mammals. In some species of mammals it causes regression of the testes and ovaries.