**4. Conclusion**

BPA can alter ovarian function through several mechanisms. In this chapter, we have dis‐ cussed two mechanisms by which BPA alters ovarian function. In the first mechanism, BPA acts directly by reducing oocyte quality after foetal and early postnatal exposure; altering the expression and/or activity of key steroidogenic enzymes required for steroid hormone synthesis; binding to steroid hormone receptors and preventing the binding of endogenous ligands; stimulating ovarian cancer cell proliferation and migration; and inhibiting cell apop‐ tosis. In the second mechanism, BPA acts indirectly by altering the expression of adipokines and adipokine receptors, which exhibit endocrine and autocrine actions in ovarian cells. Further studies are needed to understand the effects of BPA on the ovary and its contribution to ovarian dysfunction, such as decreased fertility, PCOS and carcinogenesis.
