MALE REPRODUCTIVE HORMONES

There are 6 major hormones:

1. GONADOTROPIN RELEASING HORMONE (GnRH):

• released by the hypothalamus, tells the pituitary to release LH and FSH
• ultimately controls sperm production and testosterone levels

1. FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH):

• released by the anterior pituitary, stimulates the production of sperm in the seminiferous tubules of the testes

1. LUTEINIZING HORMONE (LH):

• also called ICSH or interstitial cell stimulating hormone
• released by the anterior pituitary, stimulates testosterone production by the interstitial cells of the testes

1. ANDOSTERONE:

• less abundant and less effective than testosterone, made by interstitial cell in the testes

1. TESTOSTERONE:

• made in the interstitial cells
• stimulates secondary sex characteristics in males
• helps stimulate spermatogenesis in the testes (with FSH)
• associated with sex drive

1. INHIBIN:

• released by sertoli cells when they are low on nutrients to feed developing sperm cells
• acts as a negative feedback, goes to brain to slow the release of FSH and GnRH

NOTE: men who lose their pituitary gland stop producing sperm due to no FSH, if given FSH injections and HCG (placental hormone) that acts like LH, then the simulated LH will increase testosterone levels which will help make the needed sperm.