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Pulsatile GnRH

Meaning

Pulsatile GnRH refers to the characteristic, intermittent release pattern of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone from the hypothalamic neurons into the portal blood vessels leading to the anterior pituitary gland. This rhythmic, pulsatile secretion is absolutely essential for stimulating the pituitary to produce and release the gonadotropins, Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). The frequency and amplitude of these pulses are precisely regulated and dictate the differential release of LH and FSH, which in turn governs the entire reproductive endocrine cycle. A continuous, non-pulsatile delivery of GnRH paradoxically inhibits gonadotropin release.