Female and male Hormones

• Pituitary gland produces hormones that control the growth of eggs
• Testis produces sperm cells
• Hormone is a chemical substance secreted by the endocrine glands
• Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone
• Endocrine system is a complex network of glands and organs that regulate the body's metabolism, energy level, reproduction, growth and development, and response to injury, stress, and mood
• Hormones are organic substances released by the glands of the endocrine system directly into the bloodstream
• Hypothalamus acts as the body's smart control coordinating center, maintaining homeostasis and managing hormones
• At the onset of puberty, the Hypothalamus releases GnRH (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone) that causes the anterior pituitary gland to secrete FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (Luteinizing hormone) into the male/female reproductive system for the first time
• Pituitary gland signals the reproductive organs to produce sex hormones and controls ovulation and the menstrual cycle in women
• Roles of hormones in the Male Reproductive System:

  • GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone) causes the pituitary gland to make and secrete LH and FSH
  • FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) controls the production of sperm cells
  • LH (Luteinizing Hormone) causes the testicles to make testosterone
• Roles of hormones in the Female Reproductive System:

  • GnRH causes the pituitary gland to make and secrete LH and FSH
  • FSH stimulates the growth of eggs in the ovaries
  • LH triggers the release of egg cell in females
  • Inhibin regulates/stops secretion of FSH and LH
• Testes produce hormones that control the maturation of sperm and development of secondary male sexual characteristics like Testosterone
• Ovaries produce hormones that influence the development of secondary female sexual characteristics, maturation of egg cells, and ovulation like Estrogen and Progesterone
• In male reproductive system, LH stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone which stimulates spermatogenesis and secondary sexual characteristics development
• In female reproductive system, follicles produce estrogen that controls the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries, and progesterone prepares the uterus for a fertilized egg to grow and prevents muscle contraction that can detach the egg
• Estrogen stimulates the release of LH which controls the production of progesterone, and progesterone inhibits the further release of LH
• Progesterone is responsible for inhibin hormone production that inhibits FSH production, and FSH and LH play a role in regulating estrogen-progesterone levels, follicle development, egg maturation, and ovulation
• Secondary sexual characteristics develop during puberty:

  • Males: growth of pubic hair, facial hair, and deepening voice
  • Females: breast development, widening of hips, and growth of pubic hair
• FSH promotes follicular growth and maturation.
• The hypothalamus secretes GnRH, which stimulates the anterior pituitary to release FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone).
• LH triggers ovulation and supports corpus luteum formation.