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Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

Pituitary & Trophic Hormones
FSHGonal-FFollistimMenopur

Overview

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is an endogenous glycoprotein hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. It belongs to the class of pituitary and trophic hormones and is crucial for reproductive processes. FSH is also available in synthetic forms, such as Gonal-F and Follistim, which are used in clinical settings. The hormone is composed of two subunits, alpha and beta, with the beta subunit conferring its specific biological activity. Researchers have extensively studied FSH for its role in reproductive health and fertility treatments. FSH primarily regulates the development, growth, pubertal maturation, and reproductive processes of the body. In females, it stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles, while in males, it is essential for spermatogenesis. Research areas include its role in assisted reproductive technologies and its potential implications in treating infertility. FSH exerts its effects by binding to the FSH receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor located on the surface of target cells in the ovaries and testes. This binding activates the adenylate cyclase pathway, leading to an increase in cyclic AMP levels and subsequent activation of protein kinase A, which mediates the hormone's biological effects. The pharmacokinetic properties of FSH vary depending on its form. Endogenously, FSH has a circulating half-life of approximately 3-4 hours. Synthetic forms, such as those used in fertility treatments, may have different half-lives based on their formulation. Researchers have found that the bioavailability and metabolism of FSH can vary with the route of administration. Clinically, FSH is used in fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and ovulation induction. It is regulated as a prescription medication in many countries, with specific guidelines for its use in reproductive medicine. Researchers continue to explore its potential applications and regulatory considerations in various therapeutic contexts.

Mechanism of Action

FSH acts on the FSH receptors, which are G protein-coupled receptors located on ovarian and testicular cells. Upon binding, it activates the adenylate cyclase pathway, increasing cyclic AMP levels and activating protein kinase A, leading to follicular development in females and spermatogenesis in males.

Molecular Data

FormulaC42H65N11O12S2
Molecular Weight980.2 g/mol
CAS Number146479-72-3
PubChem CID62819

Half-Life & Pharmacokinetics

EndogenousCirculating half-life ~3-4 hours
OralPoor bioavailability due to first-pass

Synthetic forms may have varying half-lives based on formulation and route of administration.

Storage

Temperature

Refrigerate at 2-8°C

Light

Protect from light

Form

Aqueous solution: use within 28 days after opening

Notes

Ensure proper storage to maintain stability and efficacy.

Solubility

FSH is soluble in water, which is relevant for its formulation as an injectable solution.

Legal Status

🇩🇪DE

Verschreibungspflichtig (prescription only); not a controlled substance under BtMG.

🇺🇸US

FDA approved for fertility treatments; prescription required.

🇦🇺AU

TGA Schedule 4 (S4) prescription only medicine.

🇬🇧UK

Prescription only medicine (POM) under MHRA regulations.

Legal status information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory changes. Always verify with official government sources before making any decisions.

7 Research Publications

Muscle-derived myostatin is a major endocrine driver of follicle-stimulating hormone synthesis.

Animal

Science (New York, N.Y.) · 2025

Researchers found that myostatin, a protein known for regulating muscle mass, also plays a significant role in promoting the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the pituitary gland of mice. This discovery challenges previous beliefs about FSH regulation and highlights a connection between muscle and reproductive health. Additionally, efforts to block myostatin to increase muscle mass may negatively impact fertility.

  • Myostatin promotes FSH synthesis in the pituitary gland.
  • This role of myostatin challenges previous beliefs about FSH regulation.
  • Blocking myostatin to increase muscle mass could affect fertility.
PubMed

Follicle stimulating hormone controls granulosa cell glutamine synthesis to regulate ovulation.

Human

Protein & cell · 2024

Researchers found that follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) plays a crucial role in regulating glutamine levels in ovarian cells, which is important for ovulation. They observed that high levels of glutamine are linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and that targeting glutamine and related pathways may help alleviate PCOS symptoms.

  • FSH controls glutamine levels in ovarian cells to support ovulation.
  • High glutamine levels are associated with PCOS in patients.
  • Targeting glutamine and specific pathways may reduce PCOS traits.
PubMed

Follicle-stimulating hormone orchestrates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion of pancreatic islets.

Human

Nature communications · 2023

Researchers found that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plays a significant role in regulating insulin secretion from pancreatic cells. They observed that both low and high levels of FSH can impair the body’s ability to manage glucose, which may have implications for diabetes treatment, especially in postmenopausal women.

  • FSH receptors are present in human and mouse pancreatic islet cells.
  • Blocking FSH signaling leads to decreased insulin secretion and impaired glucose tolerance.
  • FSH influences insulin secretion in a bell curve manner, with both low and high levels having negative effects.
PubMed

Intra-pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone signaling regulates hepatic lipid metabolism in mice.

Animal

Nature communications · 2023

Researchers found that a hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland plays a role in regulating liver fat metabolism in mice. They observed that when FSH is absent, it leads to obesity and fatty liver, even without affecting reproductive hormones. This suggests that FSH has important functions beyond fertility.

  • FSH influences liver fat metabolism independently of reproductive hormones.
  • Loss of FSH leads to obesity and fatty liver in mice.
  • FSH helps regulate the production of another hormone that affects liver health.
PubMed

Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH) Action on Spermatogenesis: A Focus on Physiological and Therapeutic Roles.

Review

Journal of clinical medicine · 2020

Researchers observed that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plays a significant role in male fertility by influencing sperm production. While FSH is commonly used in female fertility treatments, its effectiveness in men with certain infertility issues remains unclear, highlighting the need for further studies to explore its therapeutic potential.

  • FSH is important for the process of sperm production (spermatogenesis).
  • The effectiveness of FSH treatment in men with infertility is not well established.
  • Further research is needed to understand FSH's role and develop new treatment options.
PubMed

FSH Beyond Fertility.

Review

Frontiers in endocrinology · 2019

Researchers observed that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plays roles beyond just fertility. They found that FSH is involved in various bodily functions, including bone health and cognitive function, suggesting its importance in overall well-being. This expands our understanding of FSH's impact on health throughout life.

  • FSH is important for bone health.
  • FSH may influence cognitive function.
  • FSH has roles beyond reproductive health.
PubMed

Manufacturing of Recombinant Human Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Ovaleap

Unknown

Drugs in R&D · 2017

Researchers observed the successful manufacturing of Ovaleap, a form of human follicle-stimulating hormone. This hormone plays a crucial role in reproductive health, particularly in fertility treatments. The study highlights advancements in producing this important hormone for medical use.

  • Ovaleap is a recombinant form of human follicle-stimulating hormone.
  • It is significant for fertility treatments.
  • The manufacturing process shows advancements in hormone production.
PubMed

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This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature. Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice or replaces consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.