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.

DESIGN: 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.