Gonadotropins

Definition: Hormones that affect the function of the male or female gonads. In women, FSH and LH are gonadotropins that are released by the pituitary gland, which cause the ovaries to produce eggs and secrete other hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone and androgens. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is another example of a gonadotropin, which is produced during pregnancy and stimulates the production of progesterone.