Gonadotropins are glycoprotein hormones secreted by gonadotropic cells of the anterior pituitary of vertebrates.
These hormones are central to the complex endocrine system that regulates normal growth, sexual development, and reproductive function.
Gonadotropin receptors are embedded in the surface of the target cell membranes and coupled to the G-protein system.
Signals triggered by binding to the receptor are relayed within the cells by the cyclic AMP second messenger system.
Gonadotropins are released under the control of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the arcuate nucleus and preoptic area of the hypothalamus.
[9] Gonadotropin deficiency due to pituitary disease results in hypogonadism, which can lead to infertility.
Besides the aforementioned legitimate pharmaceutical drugs, there are fad diet or quack preparations, which are illegal in various countries.