Ovarian androgens, mostly androstenedione and some testosterone, are produced in the theca cells, which respond to LH. The androgens diffuse across the basement membrane to the granulosa cells. The granulosa cells, in response to stimulation by FSH, produce aromatase, which converts the androgen precursors to estrone and estradiol.
Adapted from: Erickson GF, Magoffin DA, Dyer CA, Hofeditz C. The ovarian androgen producing cells: a review of structure/function relationships. Endocr Rev 1985; 6:371.
