North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The hormone responsible for stimulating the anterior pituitary to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) during the reproductive cycle is Gn-RH, or gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Gn-RH is produced in the hypothalamus and is released in a pulsatile manner into the bloodstream, where it targets the anterior pituitary gland. This interaction prompts the anterior pituitary to release FSH, which plays a crucial role in the development of ovarian follicles in females and the production of sperm in males.

In the context of the reproductive cycle, the secretion of FSH is fundamental as it initiates the process of folliculogenesis, which is vital for ovulation and fertility. The precise regulation of Gn-RH is critical since any disruption can affect the levels of FSH and, subsequently, the overall endocrine function related to reproduction.

Understanding the role of Gn-RH is essential for grasping how hormonal feedback loops operate within the reproductive axis, making it a key component in midwifery education and practice.