====== Follicle-Stimulating Hormone ======

[[FSH]] is a heterodimeric [[glycoprotein]] consisting of

the same alpha chain found in TSH (and LH)
    
a beta chain of 118 amino acids, which gives it its unique properties.
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[[Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone]] causes the [[pituitary gland]] to make and secrete the hormones [[luteinizing hormone]] ([[LH]]) and follicle-stimulating hormone ([[FSH]]). In men, these hormones cause the testicles to make [[testosterone]]. In women, they cause the ovaries to make [[estrogen]] and [[progesterone]].

Synthesis and release of FSH is triggered by the arrival from the hypothalamus of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). The effect of FSH depends on one's sex.
FSH in females

In sexually-mature females, FSH (assisted by LH) acts on the follicle to stimulate it to release estrogens.
FSH produced by recombinant DNA technology (Gonal-f®) is available to promote ovulation in women planning to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other forms of assisted reproductive technology.
FSH in males
In sexually-mature males, FSH acts on spermatogonia stimulating (with the aid of testosterone) the production of sperm.
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see [[Follicle stimulating hormone secreting pituitary neuroendocrine tumor]].