Generative System
The generative system includes the organs, glands, hormones, and pelvic structures responsible for sexual development, fertility, menstruation, pregnancy, ejaculation, and overall pelvic health. It relies heavily on communication between the brain, endocrine glands, and reproductive organs (the HPO/HPG axes). Pelvic tissues also include vessels, nerves, fascia, smooth muscle, and mucosa responsible for lubrication, arousal, pleasure, hormonal cycles, and reproductive function.
Relevant Herbal Actions:
Herbal Allies:
Endocrine + Cyclic Regulation (all sexes)
- Hypothalamus → GnRH
- Pituitary → FSH & LH
- Gonads → estrogen, progesterone, testosterone
- Regulates fertility, libido, secondary sex characteristics, pelvic tissue health
Reproduction + Fertility
Ovarian system:
- Oogenesis
- Ovulation
- Endometrial cycling and shedding
- Pregnancy maintenance
Testicular system:
- Spermatogenesis
- Semen production (lubrication, nutrients, buffering, motility support)
- Testosterone regulation
Pelvic Physiology (shared across sexes)
- Arousal + lubrication
- Erectile tissue engorgement
- Pelvic floor muscle tone
- Vascular + lymphatic drainage
- Protection of internal organs
Immune + Microbiome Functions
- Acidic pH of vagina
- Prostate secretions contain antimicrobial factors
- Lymph nodes in pelvis support immune clearance
Birth, Lactation, and Hormonal Transitions
- Uterine contractions
- Cervical dilation
- Lactation via prolactin & oxytocin
- Menopause, andropause, stress-related hormonal shifts
Central Endocrine Axis (universal to all sexes):
- Hypothalamus – releases GnRH
- Pituitary gland – releases FSH & LH
- Pelvic plexus nerves – sensory, autonomic, sexual reflexes
- Blood vessels & lymphatics – hormone delivery, drainage, tissue healing
Internal Organs: HPO Axis (ovary–uterus system)
Ovaries
- Produce estrogen, progesterone, small amounts of androgens
- Tissues: germinal epithelium, cortex (follicles), medulla
Fallopian Tubes
- Infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus
- Site of fertilization
- Ciliated epithelium + smooth muscle
Uterus
- Fundus, body, cervix
- Endometrium: cyclic thickening + shedding
- Myometrium: smooth muscle contractions
- Perimetrium: outer serosa
Cervix
- Mucus changes with cycle
- Barrier + passage for birth and menstruation
Vagina
- Muscular, stratified squamous epithelium
- Acidic pH + microbiome protection
Vulva
- Mons pubis, labia majora/minora, clitoris, vestibule
- Bartholins glands (lubrication)
Mammary Glands
- Milk production, antibody transfer
Internal Organs: HPO Axis (ovary–uterus system)
Ovaries
- Produce estrogen, progesterone, small amounts of androgens
- Tissues: germinal epithelium, cortex (follicles), medulla
Fallopian Tubes
- Infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus
- Site of fertilization
- Ciliated epithelium + smooth muscle
Uterus
- Fundus, body, cervix
- Endometrium: cyclic thickening + shedding
- Myometrium: smooth muscle contractions
- Perimetrium: outer serosa
Cervix
- Mucus changes with cycle
- Barrier + passage for birth and menstruation
Vagina
- Muscular, stratified squamous epithelium
- Acidic pH + microbiome protection
Vulva
- Mons pubis, labia majora/minora, clitoris, vestibule
- Bartholins glands (lubrication)
Mammary Glands
- Milk production, antibody transfer