Definition:
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, responsible for the regulation of reproductive processes in both males and females.
Function:
FSH plays a crucial role in the development and maturation of ovarian follicles in females and the production of sperm in males.
Production:
FSH is produced and released by the anterior pituitary gland, under the influence of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secreted by the hypothalamus.
Target Organs:
In females, FSH acts on the ovaries, stimulating the growth and development of ovarian follicles. In males, FSH acts on the testes, promoting spermatogenesis.
Regulation:
The secretion of FSH is regulated by a negative feedback loop involving the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary gland, and the gonads (ovaries or testes).
Effects of FSH Imbalance:
An imbalance in FSH levels can lead to various reproductive disorders, such as infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and low sperm count.