gonadotropine

Gonadotropine, or gonadotropin, refers to a group of glycoprotein hormones that stimulate the gonads. In humans, the primary gonadotropins are follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), produced by the anterior pituitary under the control of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. Exogenous gonadotropins used in medicine include human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), which contains FSH and LH activity, recombinant FSH and LH preparations, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which has LH-like activity.

Physiology: FSH promotes growth and maturation of ovarian follicles and stimulates estrogen secretion; LH triggers ovulation and luteinization, producing progesterone. In males, FSH supports spermatogenesis via Sertoli cells, while LH stimulates testosterone production by Leydig cells. Secretion of gonadotropins is tightly regulated by GnRH in a pulsatile manner; sex steroids and inhibin provide negative feedback.

Clinical uses: Gonadotropins are employed in infertility treatment, including controlled ovarian stimulation and ovulation induction, and in cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. In assisted reproduction, they are used with GnRH analogs to control follicular development. Exogenous gonadotropins include hMG, recombinant FSH with or without LH activity, and hCG for triggering ovulation.

Safety and considerations: Risks include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, pregnancy with multiple gestations, ovarian torsion, and injection-site reactions. Contraindications include known pregnancy, certain hormone-sensitive tumors, and active thromboembolism.