Follicle-stimulating hormone

Definition

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a crucial glycoprotein hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that plays a vital role in reproductive processes. In females, it promotes the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, while in males, it stimulates spermatogenesis in the testes. This hormone is regulated by the hypothalamus through gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), linking its function to key aspects of human physiology and reproductive health.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. FSH is secreted in pulses by the anterior pituitary gland, with secretion levels varying throughout the menstrual cycle in females.
2. In males, FSH acts on Sertoli cells in the testes, facilitating sperm production and maturation.
3. The balance of FSH and luteinizing hormone is essential for normal reproductive function, with imbalances potentially leading to fertility issues.
4. In females, FSH levels increase during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, driving the development of multiple ovarian follicles before ovulation.
5. FSH is often measured in clinical settings to assess reproductive health and diagnose conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or testicular dysfunction.

Review Questions

• How does follicle-stimulating hormone interact with other hormones in regulating female reproductive health?
  • Follicle-stimulating hormone interacts closely with luteinizing hormone and estrogen in regulating female reproductive health. FSH promotes the maturation of ovarian follicles during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. As these follicles grow, they secrete estrogen, which then provides feedback to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to modulate further release of FSH and LH. This interplay ensures that ovulation occurs at the right time for potential fertilization.
• Discuss the role of follicle-stimulating hormone in male reproductive physiology.
  • In males, follicle-stimulating hormone plays a critical role by stimulating Sertoli cells in the testes, which are essential for supporting sperm production and development. FSH helps regulate spermatogenesis, ensuring that sperm cells mature properly. This process is vital for male fertility and is influenced by overall hormonal balance within the male endocrine system, particularly in conjunction with testosterone levels produced by Leydig cells.
• Evaluate how disturbances in follicle-stimulating hormone levels can affect fertility and reproductive health in both genders.
  • Disturbances in follicle-stimulating hormone levels can have significant implications for fertility and reproductive health. In females, low levels of FSH can lead to insufficient follicle development, resulting in irregular menstrual cycles or anovulation, which complicates conception. Conversely, elevated FSH levels may indicate diminished ovarian reserve. In males, abnormal FSH levels can disrupt spermatogenesis, leading to infertility issues. Overall, understanding FSH's role helps in diagnosing reproductive disorders and guiding treatment strategies.

Related terms

Luteinizing hormone: A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that works alongside FSH to regulate the menstrual cycle and stimulate ovulation in females and testosterone production in males.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone: A hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the secretion of both FSH and luteinizing hormone from the anterior pituitary gland.

Ovarian follicles: Structures within the ovaries that contain immature eggs; FSH is essential for their growth and development during the menstrual cycle.