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Ovarian Steroid Variability

Meaning

Ovarian steroid variability refers to the natural, cyclical, and lifespan-dependent fluctuations in the synthesis, secretion, and concentration of the key sex hormones, primarily estrogens and progestins, produced by the ovarian follicles and corpus luteum. This variability is essential for regulating the menstrual cycle, but it also describes the significant, often unpredictable, shifts in hormone levels that characterize the perimenopausal transition and various states of reproductive dysfunction. Clinically, understanding this rhythm is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or perimenopausal symptoms.