REPRODUCTIVE HORMONE PROFILE


The hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries and testis secrete hormones that are responsible for the development and maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics and play a major role in reproduction. The various hormones responsible for reproduction are listed below

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)
This is released by the hypothalamus and acts on the gonadotrophic cells in the Anterior Pituitary Gland of both males and females. This results in the secretion of FSH or Follicle Stimulating Hormone and LH or Luteinising Hormone.
LH or Luteinizing Hormone
In females this hormone stimulates the production of oestrogen and progesterone from the ovaries. In males this hormone stimulates the production of testosterone from the testis.
FSH or Follicle Stimulating Hormone
This hormone helps in the maturation of germ cells of the testis and ovary. This helps in spermatogenesis in males. In females it helps in follicle development and oestradiol synthesis.
Prolactin
This is female reproductive hormone produced by the anterior pituitary and is responsible for the synthesis of milk in mammary glands.
Oxytocin
This is synthesized in the hypothalamus and is involved in the activities of the uterine muscles and muscles surrounding the alveoli ducts around mammary glands.
Estradiol
Estradiol forms a part of hormones of the oestrogen set and is a steroid hormone. Oestrogen helps in development and maintenance of female secondary sexual characteristics and is related to reproductive activities. This means they actually participate in preparing the body for pregnancy.
Progesterone
This is a steroid hormone and is produced by the corpus luteum. It helps in preparing the uterine lining to attach the fertilized egg. If fertilization fails, progesterone levels fall resulting in menstruation. During pregnancy it prevents ovulation by inhibiting the secretion of FSH and LH.
Testosterone
Testosterone is a steroid hormone produced by the testis and helps in sperm production and development of male secondary sexual characteristics.
Apart from the above mentioned hormones there are other hormones that are related to the reproduction such as Prostagladin, Relaxin, Activin etc.

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