Fig. 1From: The role of the endocannabinoid system in female reproductive tissuesSummary of the major effects of the ECS on the HPO axis. High levels of endocannabinoids and exogenous cannabinoids suppress the release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen and progesterone. Mitochondrial function is associated with oocyte quality. The presence of CB1 on the outer mitochondrial membrane may perturb ovarian function and subsequently oogenesis. Black boxes indicate components of the ECS that have been identified within the anatomical structures represented by each of the blue boxes. Yellow ovals indicate hormones released along the HPO axis when unperturbed. When each of the anatomical structures are perturbed by cannabinoids, the release of the hormones in the yellow ovals is preventedBack to article page