Role of the Hypothalamus and Hormones of the Anterior Pituitary Gland

The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is the complex interactions that take place between the —

hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries as part of the female reproductive cycle

The hypothalamus is an area within the brain that is located just —

beneath the thalamus.

The primary responsibility of the hypothalamus, as it relates to the menstrual cycle, is to —

regulate the release of hormones by the anterior pituitary gland

The hypothalamus achieves this function by —

releasing its own hormone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

GnRH stimulates the

release of hormones by the anterior pituitary gland

The pituitary gland, often referred to as — is an endocrine gland located within the brain that consists of an anterior and a posterior lobe

the “master gland”

The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland is responsible for the release of two chief hormones that influence the menstrual cycle:

follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)

— causes the development of multiple follicles on the ovaries

FSH

— surges around day 14 of the menstrual cycle, resulting in ovulation

LH

Hormones of the anterior pituitary gland influence the ovaries