Reproductive hormones | 合法醫療器材資訊網

Luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) are important pituitary hormones, required for reproductive processes in both males and females. LH and FSH are released by the anterior pituitary in response to pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation by the hypothalamus, and the negative feedback of oestrogen or testosterone.

In females, the combined action of FSH and LH stimulates growth of ovarian follicles and steroidogenesis, with the production of androgens, which are then converted to oestrogens by the action of the enzyme aromatase. A mid-cycle surge in LH also triggers ovulation. FSH levels usually increase during menopause, because the ovaries become less responsive to FSH, which causes the pituitary gland to increase FSH production. However, fluctuating ovarian activ...