Hormones That Regulate Reproduction

Gland: Hypothalamus
Hormone: GNRH
Chemical Class: Peptide
Function: Stimulates release of FSH and LH

2⃣ Gland: Anterior Pituitary
Hormone: FSH
Class: Protein
Function: Follicle growth; stimulates estrogen secretion

3⃣ Gland: Anterior Pituitary
Hormone: LH
Class: Protein
Function: Triggers ovulation; supports corpus luteum (CL) function

4⃣ Gland: Anterior Pituitary
Hormone: Prolactin
Class: Polypeptide
Function: Stimulates release of glucocorticoids; involved in lactation

5⃣ Gland: Posterior Pituitary
Hormone: Oxytocin
Class: Peptide
Function: Stimulates parturition (childbirth) and milk letdown

6⃣ Gland: Ovary
Hormone: Estrogen
Class: Steroid
Function: Promotes mating behavior; develops sex glands

7⃣ Gland: Ovary
Hormone: Progestins
Class: Steroid
Function: Maintains pregnancy

8⃣ Gland: Ovary
Hormone: Relaxin
Class: Polypeptide
Function: Dilates cervix for parturition

9⃣ Gland: Testis
Hormone: Androgens (Testosterone)
Class: Steroid
Function: Promotes male mating behavior and spermatogenesis

🔟 Gland: Adrenal Cortex
Hormone: Glucocorticoids (Cortisol)
Class: Steroid
Function: Aids in parturition and milk synthesis

11⃣ Gland: Placenta
Hormone: HCG
Class: Protein
Function: Acts LH-like; supports CL maintenance

12⃣ Gland: Placenta
Hormone: PMSG
Class: Protein
Function: Acts FSH-like; stimulates follicular development

13⃣ Gland: Uterus
Hormone: Prostaglandin
Class: Lipid
Function: Causes regression of CL and parturition