Sex Hormones
Introduction
Male Sex Hormones
The male sex hormone is called Testosterone and this hormone is required for spermatogenesis.
Hormone Production & Control
Male sex hormones are regulated by negative feedback systems that operate at various levels within the male sex hormone system. The starting point for the production of testosterone (and therefore the production of spermatozoa)is the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus contains neuroendocrine cells that are capable of secreting a substance called Gonadotropin-releasing hormone or GnRH. GnRH stimulates cells in the anterior pituitary, via the "portal system" to secrete two intermediate hormones within the male sex hormone cycle; Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). The secretion of GnRH is pulsatile and can vary greatly throughout the day and therefore the secretion of LH and FSH are also pulsatile.
FSH causes an Sertoli cells to produce estradiol and the peptide hormone Inhibin. LH acts on Leydig cells causing them to produce testosterone. Testosterone and estradiol form part of the negative feedback loop on GnRH secretion by the hypothalamus. Inhibin is part of a further negative feedback system, acting on the anterior pituitary to inhibit the secretion of FSH.