Physiology of the female reproductive axis.

The female reproductive system contains two principal components: the uterus, which supports the developing fetus, and the ovaries, which produce the female gametes. This manuscript will review how the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary and uterus are integrated into the female reproductive system. The endocrinology of pregnancy, as well as a cursory overview of reproductive pathology, will be presented in each section. In addition, the most common endocrinopathy in women, polycystic ovarian syndrome, as well as the early loss of reproductive function, premature ovarian failure, will receive special mention.