gonadotropic

Gonadotropic is an adjective used in endocrinology to describe substances that stimulate the gonads—the ovaries and testes—or the function of the gonadal axis. In most contexts it refers to the gonadotropins, the glycoprotein hormones produced by the anterior pituitary: luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones act on the gonads and are themselves regulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus.

In males, FSH supports spermatogenesis and Sertoli cell function; LH stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone. In females, FSH promotes growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, while LH triggers ovulation and the formation and function of the corpus luteum; LH also stimulates ovarian steroidogenesis with FSH guiding follicular development and estrogen production. The combined action of LH and FSH influences gamete production and sex steroid levels in both sexes.

Gonadotropic activity is under tight hormonal control through negative feedback by sex steroids (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) and inhibin, with GnRH pulses modulating secretion of LH and FSH.

Clinically, gonadotropic hormones are used in fertility treatments (recombinant FSH, LH, hCG, human menopausal gonadotropin) and as part of regimens that either stimulate or suppress gonadal function (using GnRH agonists or antagonists). Deficiencies or insensitivity in the gonadotropic axis can lead to hypogonadism and infertility.