Hormones and Reproduction

Hormones and Reproduction

Hormones and Male Reproduction

Spermatogenesis

stimulated by FSH

Testosterone production by interstitial cells

stimulated by LH (ICSH - interstitial cell stimulating hormone)

Hormones and Female Reproduction

Follicular development

stimulated by FSH

Estrogen production by follicular cells

stimulated by FSH

Actions of estrogen

stimulates rebuilding of the functional zone of endometrium

influences sexual behavior

Ovulation

stimulated by LH

Conversion of the Graafian follicle to the corpus luteum

stimulated by LH

Progesterone production by luteal cells

stimulated by LH

Actions of Progesterone

stimulates enlargement of uterine glands in the functional zone of the endometrium

prevents menses

Menstrual cycle

without stimulation the corpus luteum disintegrates (corpus albicans) and progesterone production stops
functional zone of the endometrium is shed (menses)
follicular development follows with the subsequent production of estrogen
functional zone of endometrium is rebuilt (proliferative phase)
ovulation follows with the subsequent production of progesterone
uterine glands in the functional zone enlarge (secretory phase)

Pregnancy

the chorion of the forming placenta produces HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)

HCG stimulates the corpus luteum and progesterone production continues; menses does not occur