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What Stimulates FSH?

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) originates in the pituitary gland, where it is secreted by cells known as gonadotrophs. While not essential for maintaining life, FSH is necessary for reproduction. FSH, working in concert with other hormones, stimulates the ovaries and testes to begin ovulation and sperm production, respectively. When a female is given FSH, it causes super-ovulation, resulting in the maturation of multiple ovarian follicles. Production of FSH is stimulated by signals received from the hypothalamus.

  1. Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone

    • Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) is made in the hypothalamus and fulfills the role of stimulating the pituitary gland to release gonadotropins, which include leutenizing hormone (LH) and FSH. Once released, LH and FSH travel to the gonads, where they, in turn, precipitate the production of testosterone in males and estrogen in females. These sex hormones inhibit the production of GnRH, slowing the release of more FSH in a negative feedback system.

    Inhibins and Activins

    • An inhibin is a glycoprotein made up of an alpha subunit and a beta subunit. There are different types of beta subunits, leading to the formation of different types of inhibins, depending on which beta subunit is joined to the alpha subunit. The subunits are joined by disulfide bonds, and the inhibins serve a regulatory role by suppressing the secretion of FSH. The beta subunits can also combine with each other, forming another product known as activin. Since there are different types of beta subunits, there are also different types of activins; the type is dictated by the specific combination of beta subunits. Activins serve to stimulate FSH secretion.

    Scientific Evidence

    • A study published in the "Annals of the New York Academy of Science" in September 2001 looked at how human fetal pituitary cells responded to different biological agents. Pituitary cell cultures (PCC) were set up and incubated with a number of agents, including activin and inhibin. The results showed that activin increased secretion of FSH, while inhibin decreased secretion.

    External Stimulants

    • FSH production in your body can be stimulated or attenuated by certain medications. Medications that can increase your FSH level include cimetidine, a drug used to reduce stomach acid; clomiphene, which is used to stimulate ovulation; and digitalis, a medication given to some heart patients. On the other hand, oral contraceptives, hormone treatments and phenothiazines, medications used to treat severe mental and emotional disorders, can have the opposite effect, decreasing your FSH level.

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