The female reproductive axis and its modifications during the post-partum period

Abstract

The female reproductive axis in mammals is a highly complex dynamic system which goes through different transient or absorbent states during the course of a life-time. Little is known about the mechanisms controlling this system during fetal life and at birth, although it has been shown in numerous species, including primates, that the whole machinery is already functioning (Brooks et al., 1990; Plant, 1986). After a delay ranging from a few days to a few weeks, according to the species, the reproductive axis becomes quiescent and activity apparently resumes only at the time of puberty. Here again understanding of the phenomenon is still limited (Ojeda, 1991).