![]() ![]() Prolactin stimulates the production of milk by the mammary glands following childbirth. In addition to producing FSH and LH, the anterior portion of the pituitary gland also produces the hormone prolactin (PRL) in females. Estradiol produces secondary sex characteristics in females, while both estradiol and progesterone regulate the menstrual cycle. LH also plays a role in the development of ova, induction of ovulation, and stimulation of estradiol and progesterone production by the ovaries, as illustrated in Figure 2.Įstradiol and progesterone are steroid hormones that prepare the body for pregnancy. Follicle cells produce the hormone inhibin, which inhibits FSH production. In females, FSH stimulates development of egg cells, called ova, which develop in structures called follicles. Hormonal regulation of the female reproductive system involves hormones from the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovaries. Regulation of the Female Reproductive Systemįigure 2. The physiological strain caused by these substances is often greater than what the body can handle, leading to unpredictable and dangerous effects and linking their use to heart attacks, strokes, and impaired cardiac function. Androgens produce several complications such as liver dysfunctions and liver tumors, prostate gland enlargement, difficulty urinating, premature closure of epiphyseal cartilages, testicular atrophy, infertility, and immune system depression. The side effects of synthetic hormones are often significant and non-reversible, and in some cases, fatal. Olympic Committee, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the Major League Baseball, and the National Football League. They are also banned by national and international governing bodies including the International Olympic Committee, the U.S. Most performance enhancing drugs are illegal for non-medical purposes. Other hormones that are used to enhance athletic performance include erythropoietin, which triggers the production of red blood cells, and human growth hormone, which can help in building muscle mass. Steroids are used to help build muscle mass. Anabolic steroids, a form of the male sex hormone testosterone, are one of the most widely known performance-enhancing drugs. Some athletes attempt to boost their performance by using artificial hormones that enhance muscle performance. The adrenal cortex also produces small amounts of testosterone precursor, although the role of this additional hormone production is not fully understood.įigure 1. Professional baseball player Jason Giambi publically admitted to, and apologized for, his use of anabolic steroids supplied by a trainer.(credit: Bryce Edwards) Testosterone promotes the production of sperm and masculine characteristics. ![]() The most widely known androgen in males is testosterone. LH stimulates production of the sex hormones ( androgens) by the interstitial cells of the testes and therefore is also called interstitial cell-stimulating hormone. FSH production is inhibited by the hormone inhibin, which is released by the testes. In males, FSH stimulates the maturation of sperm cells. Regulation of the Male Reproductive System An increase in gonad hormone levels inhibits GnRH production through a negative feedback loop. In both males and females, FSH stimulates gamete production and LH stimulates production of hormones by the gonads. These hormones regulate the gonads (testes in males and ovaries in females) and therefore are called gonadotropins. During puberty in both males and females, the hypothalamus produces gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the production and release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary gland. Regulation of the reproductive system is a process that requires the action of hormones from the pituitary gland, the adrenal cortex, and the gonads. Discuss the role of hormones in the reproductive system. ![]()
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