Gonadotropin CRP:
Understanding the Role of Gonadotropins in Reproductive Health
This training video is about understanding the role of gonadotropins in reproductive health is crucial for diagnosing and treating infertility.
1.Introduction to Gonadotropins
A group of hormones crucial for the regulation of the reproductive system in both males and females.Controlling the development, growth, and function of the gonads (testes in males and ovaries in females).Produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and the placenta.2.The primary types of gonadotropins include:
• Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (hMG):
This hormone is derived from the urine of postmenopausal women and contains both Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH).Primarily used in fertility treatments to stimulate the development of multiple follicles in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies.• Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG):
This hormone is produced by the placenta during pregnancyIt helps maintain the corpus luteum, which produces the progesterone necessary to sustain the pregnancy.hCG is also used in fertility treatments to trigger ovulation and in some weight-loss programs.• Luteinizing Hormone (LH):
LH is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and plays a vital role in the reproductive process.In women, LH triggers ovulation and the development of the corpus luteumIn men, it stimulates the production of testosterone by the Leydig cells in the testes.• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH):
Also produced by the anterior pituitary glandFSH is essential for regulating the growth and maturation of the ovarian follicles in women and sperm production in men.In women, FSH works in conjunction with LH to control the menstrual cycle and stimulate the growth of the ovarian follicle, which contains the egg.In men, FSH supports the production of sperm by stimulating the Sertoli cells in the testes3. Key Gonadotropins and Their Functions
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HMG)
Extracted from the urine of postmenopausal womenContains FSH and LHHuman Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
Produced by the placenta during pregnancyStimulates the release of progesterone to support pregnancyLuteinizing Hormone (LH) – Regulates the menstrual cycle and triggers ovulation
Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH) – Stimulates the growth and development of ovarian follicles
4.Urinary Gonadotropin and Recombinant Gonadotropin Products
Urinary Gonadotropin
Derived from human urine. Examples: Follisurge, FolligraphRecombinant Gonadotropin
Produced using recombinant DNA technologyPurer and more consistent in terms of dosage5. Hormone Levels and Fertility
Estradiol
Female sex hormone; helps regulate the menstrual cycleSerum Progesterone
Produced by the corpus luteum after ovulationPrepares the uterus for implantation and supports early pregnancyLH Surge:A rapid increase in LH levels that triggers ovulation5.Infertility and Gonadotropins
Ovarian Reserve
A woman’s remaining egg supplyInfluenced by factors such as age and hormonal imbalancesFertility Treatments
Clomiphene and Letrozole: Oral medications that stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggsGonadotrophins: Injectable hormones that directly stimulate egg productionConclusion
Through the use of urinary and recombinant gonadotropin products, as well as other fertility treatments, couples facing infertility can increase their chances of conceiving and achieving a successful pregnancy.