Hormones That

Stimulate The
Reproductive
System
GROUP 5
GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING
HORMONE
Gonadotropin-releasing Hormones (GnRH) also known as
gonadoliberin is a releasing hormone responsible for the release of
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from
the anterior pituitary. GnRH is a tropic peptide hormone synthesized
and released from GnRH neurons within the hypothalamus.
There are differences in GnRH secretion between females and
males. In males, GnRH is secreted in pulses at a constant frequency;
however, in females, the frequency of the pulses varies during the
menstrual cycle, and there is a large surge of GnRH just before
ovulation.
LUTEINIZING HORMONE

Luteinizing Hormones (LH), also known as lutropins are hormones

produced by the gonadotropic cells in the anterior pituitary gland.
In females, an acute rise of LH triggers ovulation and causes the
development of the corpus luteum.
In males, luteinizing hormones are called interstitial cell-stimulating
hormones (ICSH), it stimulates Leydig cell production of testosterone.
FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE

Follicle-stimulating Hormones (FSH) are gonadotropins, a

glycoprotein polypeptide hormone. FSH are synthesized and
secreted by the gonadotropic cells of the anterior pituitary gland,
and regulates the development, growth, pubertal maturation, and
reproductive processes of the body.
In males, FSH induces Sertoli cells to secrete androgen-binding
proteins (ABPs), regulated by inhibin's negative feedback
mechanism on the anterior pituitary. Specifically, activation of Sertoli
cells by FSH sustains spermatogenesis and stimulates inhibin B
secretion.
FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE

In females, FSH initiates follicular growth, specifically affecting

granulosa cells. With the concomitant rise in inhibin B, FSH levels then
decline in the late follicular phase. This seems to be critical in
selecting only the most advanced follicle to proceed to ovulation.
At the end of the luteal phase, there is a slight rise in FSH that seems
to be of importance to start the next ovulatory cycle.
TESTOSTERONE

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and an anabolic

steroid. It is produced by the Leydig cells on male. Testosterone
plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues
such as the testis and prostate, as well as promoting secondary
sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass,
and the growth of body hair.
Insufficient levels of testosterone in men may lead to abnormalities
including frailty and bone loss.
Testosterone has a negative feedback effect on the secretion of
GnRH from the hypothalamus, and on LH and FSH from the anterior
pituitary gland.
INHIBIN

Inhibin is secreted by the Sertoli cells of the male and granulosa cells
of the female. It inhibits the production of follicle-stimulating
hormones by the pituitary gland.
Inhibin has a negative feedback effect on the secretion of FSH from
the anterior pituitary gland.
PROGESTERONE

Progesterone is an endogenous steroid and progestogen sex

hormone involved in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and
embryogenesis of females. Progesterone is also a crucial metabolic
intermediate in the production of other endogenous steroids,
including the sex hormones and the corticosteroids, and plays an
important role in brain function as a neurosteroid.
Progesterone converts the endometrium to its secretory stage to
prepare the uterus for implantation. At the same time progesterone
affects the vaginal epithelium and cervical mucus, making it thick
and impenetrable to sperm. Progesterone is anti-mitogenic in
endometrial epithelial cells, and as such, mitigates the tropic effects
of estrogen.
ESTROGEN

Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone as well as a medication.

It is responsible for the development and regulation of the female
reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. Estrogen
may also refer to any substance, natural or synthetic, that mimics
the effects of the natural hormone.
Estrogen hormones play an essential role in the growth and
development of female secondary sexual characteristics such as
breasts, pubic and armpit hair, endometrium, and the regulation of
the menstrual cycle and reproductive system.
OXYTOCIN

Oxytocin is a peptide hormone and neuropeptide. Oxytocin is

normally produced by the paraventricular nucleus of the
hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary.
It plays a role in social bonding, sexual reproduction in both sexes,
and during and after childbirth. Oxytocin is released into the
bloodstream as a hormone in response to stretching of the cervix
and uterus during labor and with stimulation of the nipples from
breastfeeding.
HUMAN CHORIONIC
GONADOTROPIN
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by
the placenta after implantation. The presence of hCG is detected in
some pregnancy tests (HCG pregnancy strip tests).
Human chorionic gonadotropin is secreted by cells
(syncitiotrophoblasts) from the implanting conceptus during week 2,
supporting the ovarian corpus luteum, which in turn supports the
endometrial lining and therefore maintains pregnancy.
It also maintains the corpus luteum and increases its rate of
progesterone secretion during the first trimester of pregnancy.