Follicle-stimulating hormone is a glycoprotein hormone involved in reproductive development, follicular maturation, gamete production, and regulation of gonadal endocrine physiology. FSH functions as a major pituitary signaling hormone coordinating reproductive tissue activity within both ovaries and testes.
In females, the hormone stimulates ovarian follicle growth, supports granulosa cell activity, and contributes to estradiol synthesis during the menstrual cycle. In males, FSH promotes Sertoli cell function and supports spermatogenesis within the testes. The hormone also participates in communication between gonadal tissues and hypothalamic-pituitary reproductive feedback systems. Through these actions, FSH coordinates reproductive maturation and fertility-related endocrine adaptation.
FSH is produced by gonadotroph cells within the anterior pituitary gland. The hormone consists of alpha and beta glycoprotein subunits synthesized and assembled within pituitary secretory pathways prior to regulated release into circulation.
Production occurs in pulsatile patterns controlled mainly by hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone signaling. Female secretion varies across the menstrual cycle according to ovarian endocrine feedback, while male secretion remains comparatively stable to support continuous sperm production.
FSH secretion is regulated primarily through GnRH signaling and feedback pathways involving inhibins, activins, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone. Inhibin produced by gonadal tissues strongly suppresses FSH secretion and helps coordinate reproductive balance.
The hormone acts through follicle-stimulating hormone receptor systems linked to cyclic AMP signaling, reproductive cell differentiation pathways, steroidogenic signaling, and gamete maturation systems. Nutritional status, reproductive physiology, stress signaling, and developmental stage can all influence secretion dynamics. Through these integrated reproductive endocrine systems, FSH coordinates follicular development, spermatogenesis, gonadal signaling, and fertility regulation.
FSH supports follicle maturation in ovaries and Sertoli cell function in testes.
