TESTOSTERONE
Source:
Produced
primarily by the
Leydig cells in
the testes.
FUNCTION
Responsible for the
development of male
secondary sexual
characteristics (e.g., deep
voice, facial hair, muscle
growth).
Stimulates sperm production
(spermatogenesis).
Influences libido and sexual
behavior.
GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING
HORMONE (GNRH)
Source:
Hypothalamus
.
FUNCTION
Signals the
pituitary gland to
release luteinizing
hormone (LH) and
follicle-stimulating
hormone (FSH).
LUTEINIZING HORMONE (LH)
Source:
Anterior
pituitary
gland.
FUNCTION
Stimulates Leydig
cells in the testes
to produce
testosterone.
FOLLICLE-STIMULATING
HORMONE (FSH)
Source:
Anterior pituitary
gland.
FUNCTION
Promotes the
production of sperm
by stimulating Sertoli
cells in the testes.
Supports the maturation
of sperm cells.
INHIBIN
Source: Sertoli
cells in the
testes.
FUNCTION
Regulates sperm
production by
inhibiting FSH
secretion when
sperm production is
sufficient.
ANDROGENS
Source: Includes testosterone and
other male hormones (like
dihydrotestosterone, DHT).
FUNCTION
Work together to
regulate the
development and
maintenance of male
reproductive tissues
and characteristics.
HORMONAL REGULATION
OF THE FEMALE
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
ESTROGEN
Source: Produced
mainly by the
ovaries (in the
follicles), but also by
the adrenal glands
and the placenta
during pregnancy.
FUNCTION
Stimulates the development of female
secondary sexual characteristics (e.g.,
breast development, widening of hips).
Regulates the menstrual cycle by
promoting the growth of the uterine lining
(endometrium).
PROGESTERONE
Source: Produced
mainly by the corpus
luteum in the ovaries
and the placenta
during pregnancy.
FUNCTION
Prepares the uterus for implantation of a
fertilized egg.
Maintains pregnancy by preventing
contractions of the uterine muscles.
Regulates the menstrual cycle by
supporting the endometrial lining.
FOLLICLE-STIMULATING
HORMONE (FSH)
Source: Produced
by the anterior
pituitary gland.
FUNCTION
Stimulates the growth and maturation of
ovarian follicles (egg-containing sacs)
during the first half of the menstrual
cycle.
Works with luteinizing hormone to
prepare the follicle for ovulation.
LUTEINIZING HORMONE (LH)
Source: Produced
by the anterior
pituitary gland.
FUNCTION
Triggers ovulation (release of an egg
from the ovary).
Stimulates the formation of the
corpus luteum, which produces
progesterone.
GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING
HORMONE (GNRH)
Source:
Released by the
hypothalamus.
FUNCTION
Regulates the release of FSH and LH
from the pituitary gland.
Plays a key role in initiating and
maintaining the menstrual cycle.
INHIBIN
Source:
Produced by the
ovarian follicles.
FUNCTION
Inhibitsthe secretion of FSH to
regulate follicle development and
prevent overproduction of eggs.
PROLACTIN
Source:
Produced by the
anterior pituitary
gland.
FUNCTION
Stimulates milk production in the
mammary glands after childbirth.
Inhibits ovulation during
breastfeeding.