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Functional state of hormonal regulation of the reproductive system
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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The reproductive system consists of certain structures of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, gonads, target organs (fallopian tubes, uterus, etc.). The elements of the reproductive system are interconnected by information signals that allow it to function as a single whole.
Hormones play a key role in regulating the reproductive system. Reproductive system hormones are classified by their chemical structure and place of secretion. Accurate determination of the concentration of these hormones in human biological fluids is extremely important for assessing the functional state of the hormonal systems regulating the reproductive system and diagnosing diseases that cause their disruption. Determination of hormone levels is widely used to establish the causes of both female and male infertility, in which in many cases hormonal regulation disruption is the primary cause.
Classification of the most important hormones regulating reproductive functions according to the place of their synthesis
- Hypothalamus: GRG, PRG, GRIG, PRIG.
- Pituitary gland: LH (lutropin), FSH (follitropin), prolactin.
- Ovaries: estrogens, gestagens, androgens, inhibin.
- Placenta: estrogens, gestagens, hCG, prolactin.
- Testes: androgens, inhibin.
- Adrenal cortex: androgens, estrogens.
Gonadotropins
Gonadotropins - FSH and LH - are glycoproteins secreted by cyanophilic cells of the anterior pituitary gland under the influence of GnRH. The target organs for them are the gonads. The secretion of FSH and LH is regulated by a negative feedback mechanism. In men, high levels of testosterone in the blood have an inhibitory effect on the secretion of LH. Regulation of gonadotropin secretion in women is much more complex.
During the menstrual cycle in women, the concentration of hormones in the blood is subject to certain rhythmic changes. The duration of the menstrual cycle is 28±4 days, it is divided into the following phases.
- The follicular phase includes all stages of follicle maturation.
- Ovulation phase.
- The final luteal phase, that is, the stage of the cycle that lasts from ovulation to the moment of endometrial decidua-tion and thus reflects the complete life span of the corpus luteum.
The beginning of the menstrual cycle is considered to be the first day of menstrual bleeding.
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