A Narrative Review on Reproductive Hormones

Reproductive hormones play a crucial role in regulating the reproductive system and maintaining fertility in both males and females. This review provides an overview of the key reproductive hormones, their functions, and interactions in the human body. In females, hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) govern the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and pregnancy. Estrogen and progesterone prepare the uterus for pregnancy, while FSH and LH stimulate follicular development and ovulation. In males, testosterone, produced by the testes, is essential for sperm production and secondary sexual characteristics. FSH and LH also regulate spermatogenesis by stimulating the testes to produce testosterone. The complex feedback mechanisms of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis maintain hormonal balance and reproductive health. Disruptions in this axis can lead to reproductive disorders, including infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and hypogonadism. Hormonal therapies, such as birth control, hormone replacement therapy, and fertility treatments, manipulate reproductive hormones to address various health concerns. Recent advances in reproductive endocrinology have highlighted the role of environmental factors, such as endocrine disruptors, in influencing hormone levels and reproductive health. Overall, understanding the intricacies of reproductive hormones is essential for improving reproductive health outcomes and addressing hormonal disorders.