Male Reproductive Physiology

Components of the Reproductive (Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Testis) Axis

• Hypothalamus
  • Produces GnRH
    • GnRH
      • Simulates production and release of LH and FSH from anterior pituitary
      • Patterns of secretion (3):
        1. Seasonal (peaking in spring)
        2. Circadian (highest testosterone in morning)
        3. Pulsatile, peaks every 90-120 minutes
           1. Pulsatility arises at puberty, around age 12

Hormones produced by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland