What is the Origin of Gonadotropin Therapy?

The term 'gonadotropin' combines 'gonad' with 'tropin,' meaning "to nourish or stimulate." Early gonadotropin preparations were extracted from the urine of pregnant women or postmenopausal women, but modern clinical practice overwhelmingly uses highly purified recombinant human gonadotropins. This therapeutic approach has been a cornerstone of assisted reproductive technology since the mid-20th century.

What is the Mechanism of Gonadotropin Therapy?

Exogenous FSH directly stimulates the development of ovarian follicles in women and Sertoli cell function in men, promoting spermatogenesis. Exogenous LH, or its analogue Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), stimulates the ovarian theca cells and the testicular Leydig cells to produce sex steroids like estrogen and testosterone. By providing these essential trophic signals, the therapy effectively bypasses a deficient hypothalamic-pituitary axis to restore gonadal function.

Gonadotropin Therapy ∞ Area ∞ Library 2

Gonadotropin Therapy

Meaning

A specialized medical treatment involving the administration of gonadotropins, which are protein hormones that regulate the function of the gonads (ovaries and testes). This therapy typically utilizes Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH), often in recombinant forms, to stimulate gamete production or sex steroid synthesis. It is a primary intervention in reproductive endocrinology for treating infertility resulting from hypothalamic or pituitary dysfunction.

A delicate, networked structure cradles textured spheres. This represents the endocrine system's HPG axis and hormone receptors interacting with bioidentical hormones. The central element signifies Testosterone optimization for cellular repair and metabolic health in Hormone Replacement Therapy HRT protocols.

How Does Gonadotropin Therapy Compare to Testosterone Replacement for Fertility?

Gonadotropin therapy stimulates your body's own systems to support fertility, while testosterone replacement provides the hormone directly, suppressing it.

∞ Azoospermia
∞ Luteinizing Hormone
∞ Testosterone Levels