Gonadotropiinia

Gonadotropiinia refers to hormones that affect the gonads, which are the sex organs. In females, the gonads are the ovaries, and in males, they are the testes. The primary gonadotropins are follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Both FSH and LH are produced by the anterior pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain.

FSH plays a crucial role in reproductive function by stimulating the development of ovarian follicles in females and sperm production in males. In females, FSH stimulates the growth and maturation of egg cells within the ovaries. In males, it acts on the Sertoli cells in the testes to promote spermatogenesis.

LH is also essential for reproduction. In females, LH triggers ovulation, the release of a mature egg from the ovary, and stimulates the production of progesterone by the corpus luteum. In males, LH stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone, the primary male sex hormone.

The secretion of FSH and LH is regulated by hormones from the hypothalamus and gonads themselves, forming a feedback loop. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus stimulates the release of FSH and LH. Conversely, hormones produced by the ovaries (estrogen and progesterone) and testes (testosterone) can inhibit or stimulate the release of GnRH, FSH, and LH, depending on the physiological context. This complex interplay ensures proper functioning of the reproductive system. Dysregulation of gonadotropin levels can lead to various reproductive disorders.