Gonadotropins are hormones synthesized and released by the anterior pituitary, which act on the gonads (testes and ovaries) to increase the production of sex hormones and stimulate production of either sperm or ova. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormones (LH) are the main gonadotropins. Human chorionic gonadotropin is a gonadotropin that is only produced during pregnancy by the placenta.
Gonadotropin production is controlled by gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which is released by the hypothalamus. The effects of gonadotrophins differ in males and females.
Gonadotropins are used in fertility treatment to produce mature follicles and ovulation induction, in women. In men, it is used to increase sperm count as part of fertility treatment.
