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Ovarian Physiology

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Principles of Endocrinology and Hormone Action

Part of the book series: Endocrinology ((ENDOCR))

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Abstract

This chapter discusses ovarian processes starting in uterine life and subsequently across the following phases: from birth until puberty, the pubertal period itself, then from post puberty until menopause, and finally during menopause and the postmenopausal phase. The ovary has three important functions: first, oocyte and follicle formation and storage; second, oocyte and follicle development resulting in ovulation; and third, reproductive hormone production. The hormone production is inseparable from follicular development. The various processes are described in each of the different phases of life.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and gynecology, VU Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    M. O. Verhoeven & C. B. Lambalk

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  1. M. O. Verhoeven
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  2. C. B. Lambalk
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Correspondence to M. O. Verhoeven .

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  1. Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy

    Antonino Belfiore

  2. Diabetes and Metabolism Clinical Researc, Clinical Research Institute at Rambam (C, Haifa, Israel

    Derek LeRoith

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Verhoeven, M.O., Lambalk, C.B. (2016). Ovarian Physiology. In: Belfiore, A., LeRoith, D. (eds) Principles of Endocrinology and Hormone Action. Endocrinology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-27318-1_18-1

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