gonadotropinreglering

Gonadotropin regulation refers to the hormonal control of the gonads—ovaries in females and testes in males—mediated primarily by gonadotropins, which are pituitary hormones. This process is a key component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, a feedback loop that maintains reproductive function and hormone balance.

The primary gonadotropins are luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), both secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Their release is regulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), a decapeptide produced by the hypothalamus. GnRH is released in pulsatile fashion, stimulating the pituitary to secrete LH and FSH in response. LH and FSH then act on the gonads to promote gamete production (spermatogenesis in males, oogenesis in females) and steroid hormone synthesis (testosterone in males, estrogen and progesterone in females).

Negative feedback mechanisms govern this system. Rising levels of gonadal hormones—such as testosterone, estrogen, or progesterone—inhibit GnRH secretion from the hypothalamus and suppress LH/FSH release from the pituitary, reducing gonadal stimulation. In females, this feedback is modulated by the menstrual cycle, where fluctuating hormone levels create a positive feedback loop during ovulation, triggering a surge in LH. In males, testosterone maintains steady LH and FSH levels through continuous negative feedback.

Disruptions in gonadotropin regulation can lead to reproductive disorders, such as hypogonadism (inadequate hormone production) or hypergonadotropic conditions (elevated gonadotropins due to gonadal failure). Medical conditions affecting the hypothalamus, pituitary, or gonads—such as tumors, congenital defects, or autoimmune diseases—may alter this regulatory axis, necessitating diagnostic evaluation and potential treatment.