Frontiers in neuroendocrinology

The ovary, a dynamic endocrine organ, plays a central role in female reproductive function through the secretion of hormones such as 17β-estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and inhibin. Beyond its endocrine activity, the ovary serves as …

Cyclic variations in hormones during the normal menstrual cycle underlie multiple central nervous system (CNS)-linked disorders, including premenstrual mood disorder (PMD), menstrual migraine (MM), and catamenial epilepsy (CE). Despite this…

Hormonal contraception has been widely prescribed for decades. Although safety and efficacy are well-established, much uncertainty remains regarding brain effects of hormonal contraception. We systematically review human and animal studies …

Endometriosis is a chronic pain disorder that affects young women, impairing their physical, mental and social well-being. Apart from personal suffering, it imposes a significant economic burden on the healthcare system. We analyzed studies…

Aromatase catalyzes the last and obligatory step in the biosynthesis of estrogens across species. In vivo visualization of aromatase can be performed using positron emission tomography (PET) with radiolabeled aromatase inhibitors such as [(…

Women disproportionately suffer from many deep tissue pain conditions. Experimental studies show that women have lower pain thresholds, higher pain ratings and less tolerance to a range of painful stimuli. Most clinical and epidemiological …

The link between in utero and neonatal exposure to environmental toxicants, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and adult female reproductive disorders is well established in both epidemiological and animal studies. Recent studies…

Geoffrey Wingfield Harris' demonstration of hypothalamic hormones regulating pituitary function led to their structural identification and therapeutic utilization in a wide spectrum of diseases. Amongst these, Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone…

Urocortins, three paralogs of the stress-related peptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) found in bony fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals, have unique phylogenies, pharmacologies, and tissue distributions. As a result and despite a s…