Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

FSH is a heterodimeric glycoprotein consisting of

the same alpha chain found in TSH (and LH)

a beta chain of 118 amino acids, which gives it its unique properties.

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone causes the pituitary gland to make and secrete the hormones luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In men, these hormones cause the testicles to make testosterone. In women, they cause the ovaries to make estrogen and progesterone.

Synthesis and release of FSH is triggered by the arrival from the hypothalamus of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). The effect of FSH depends on one's sex. FSH in females

In sexually-mature females, FSH (assisted by LH) acts on the follicle to stimulate it to release estrogens. FSH produced by recombinant DNA technology (Gonal-f®) is available to promote ovulation in women planning to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other forms of assisted reproductive technology. FSH in males In sexually-mature males, FSH acts on spermatogonia stimulating (with the aid of testosterone) the production of sperm.

see Follicle stimulating hormone secreting pituitary adenoma.