Follicle stimulating hormone

Information about Follicle stimulating hormone

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) during menstrual cycle

The gonadotropins are peptide hormones that regulate ovarian and testicular function and are essential for normal growth, sexual development and reproduction. The human gonadotropins include follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) which are made in the pituitary, and chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) which is made by the placenta. All three gonadotropins are heterodimeric proteins that consist of two peptide chains, the alpha chain is similar in all three, whereas the beta chain is unique and determines the fine receptor specificity and function of each hormone.

Mechanism of action of Follicle stimulating hormone

The pituitary gonadotropins are under the control of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), a decapeptide produced in the hypothalamus and released in response to circulating levels of estrogens and progesterone. Highly purified and recombinant formulations of the gonadotropins have been developed and used in the treatment of hypogonadism and infertility. Synthetic forms of GnRH have been used with the gonadotropins in assisted reproductive techniques and in vitro fertilization.

Liver toxicity of Follicle stimulating hormone

Therapeutic use of the gonadotropins and GnRH has not been linked to serum enzyme elevations or with clinically apparent liver injury. However, in high doses, the gonadotropins can induce the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) which may be accompanied by liver test abnormalities, jaundice, edema and ascites.

FSH

Follicle stimulating hormone(FSH) is a pituitary hormone that regulates growth, sexual development and reproduction, including menstruation, follicular development and ovulation. FSH is regulated, at least in part, by GnRH produced in the hypothalamus in response to multiple signals including circulating levels of sex hormones. FSH interacts with receptors on ovarian follicles and is the major survival factor for the maturing follicles. A surge in FSH levels occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle leading to ovulation. In men, FSH promotes spermatogenesis and androgen responsiveness in the testes. Thus, FSH is essential for sexual maturation and reproduction in both men and women. Partially and highly purified urinary derived FSH (menotropins, Menopur which also has LH activity; urofollitropin, Bravelle) and recombinant forms of FSH (follitropin alpha, Follistim, Gonal F) are available and approved for use in treatment of infertility and hypogonadism.

Dosage and administration for Follicle stimulating hormone

They are generally given by subcutaneous injection daily or several times weekly. The dose and appropriate regimen vary by indication. These agents should be used only by health care workers with expertise in management of infertility and hypogonadism.

Obstetrical and Gynecological Agents

• Emergency contraceptive agents
  • Levonorgestrel, Ulipristal

• Estrogens and Oral contraceptives

• • Selective estrogen receptor modulators
    • Bazedoxifene, Ospemifene, Raloxifene
  • Infertility agents

• Antiestrogens
  • Clomiphene, Letrozole, Tamoxifen

• Gonadotropins
  • Chorionic gonadotropin, Follicle stimulating hormone, Luteinizing hormone, Human gonadotropin releasing hormone

• Pregnancy termination agents
  • Mifepristone
• Progesterone and the Progestins

Follicle stimulating hormone Resources
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