Which hormone is released by the hypothalamus and is involved in the regulation of reproduction?

Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) is produced and released by the hypothalamus and plays a crucial role in regulating reproduction. It acts as a key signal that stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release two important hormones: Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). These hormones are essential for the regulation of the menstrual cycle in females and spermatogenesis in males, facilitating the functioning of the reproductive system.

GnRH is secreted in a pulsatile manner, which is vital for maintaining the proper function of the reproductive axis. If the release of GnRH is disrupted, it can lead to various reproductive disorders, highlighting its importance in reproductive health. The direct connection between the hypothalamus, GnRH, and the anterior pituitary underscores the hormonal interactions critical for fertility and reproductive hormones’ effects on sexual development and function.