FSH

FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)
FSH is a hormone that is secreted by the pituitary gland after stimulation by the hormone GnRH and released into the blood.
After the menopause, the concentration of FSH rises sharply, because as oestrogen levels fall, the mechanism that normally holds it back is lost.

What FSH does

• It makes several follicles in the ovaries mature; in humans, one of them (or rarely two) goes on to final maturity and ovulation.
• It makes the ovaries produce oestrogens.
• In men, it stimulates the production of sperm.