The climacteric ovary as a functional gonadotropin-driven androgen-producing gland.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the hypothesis that the climacteric ovary is a functional endocrine gland.


METHODS
Review of the English-speaking literature as it relates to the physiology and pathophysiology of the climacteric ovary.


RESULTS
By several accounts, the climacteric ovary appears to be a gonadotropin-dependent androgen-producing gland. Although the estrogen-producing potential of the climacteric ovary remains a matter of controversy, most studies would suggest limited aromatase activity.


CONCLUSIONS
[1] The climacteric ovary is not a defunct endocrine organ. [2] The climacteric ovary is a site of gonadotropin reception and action. [3] The climacteric ovary contributes few if any estrogens to the circulating pool by way of direct production. [4] Circulating estrogens are derived virtually exclusively from the extraglandular conversion of androgens, a proportion of which are of ovarian origin. [5] The climacteric ovary contributes 40% and 20% of the total production rates of T and androstenedione, respectively. [6] Androgen biosynthesis by the climacteric ovary is partially gonadotropin-dependent.
Adashi
E Y
EY
University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore.
D000728:Androgens / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D002979:Climacteric / Q000502:physiology*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000096:biosynthesis; D005260:Female; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D010053:Ovary / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D011967:Receptors, Gonadotropin / Q000378:metabolism
D000728:Androgens; D004967:Estrogens; D006062:Gonadotropins; D011967:Receptors, Gonadotropin