Human Biochemistry, Volume 2 - Murray R. 1993

Biochemistry of Intracellular and Intercellular Communication
Sex Gland Hormones
Pathophysiology of the Female Reproductive System

Describing all Disorders of the FEMALE Reproductive System is beyond The Scope of this chapter; we will examine only a few Examples. Primary hypogonadism is caused by processes that directly affect the Ovaries, thereby leading to ovarian insufficiency (impaired ovulation, decreased hormone production, or both). Secondary hypogonadism is based on the loss of the gonadotropic function of the Pituitary Gland. Gonadal dysgenesis (Turner syndrome) is a relatively common hereditary condition characterized by an XO karyotype, the presence of female internal and external genitalia, certain developmental anomalies, and delayed Puberty.

A number of syndromes are associated with alterations in hormone levels. The most common of these is polycystic Ovary syndrome (Stein-Leventhal syndrome), in which androgen overproduction leads to hirsutism, obesity, menstrual irregularities, and reduced fertility. Rare Leydig Cell tumors and arrhenoblastomas produce testosterone; granulosa-theca cell tumors produce estrogens, and intraovarian adrenal rests form cortisol. Residual trophoblastic tissue can cause benign Hydatidiform Mole or, upon malignant transformation, Choriocarcinoma; in both cases, huge amounts of hCG are produced. Radioimmunoassay for hCG is used to diagnose these dangerous conditions and to monitor the efficacy of therapy.



Last update: 06/08/2026

Editorial and Educational Adaptation: This material has been compiled based on the primary/original source text. The project team performed an editorial review, corrected technical inaccuracies, structured sections, and adapted the content for an educational format.

What was processed:

  • elimination of formatting defects (OCR errors, structural breaks, corrupted characters);
  • editorial organization of content;
  • standardization of terminology in accordance with academic sources;
  • verification of factual statements against the original source text.

All mentions of the author, publication year, and origin of the primary text have been preserved in accordance with the source.