Understanding the follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone

These two hormones are best described together, as they have actions very closely related and are stimulated by a hypothalamic hormone called Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH). They control the ovarian function, formation of follicles and hence eggs (ova), and maintenance of the reproductive cycle in females.  They also stimulate formation of testosterone and sperm production in males. In females, FSH stimulates the development of the follicles in a cyclical way. The follicle then produces oestrogen. In men, FSH stimulates the production of sperm.  LH is responsible for initiating ovulation in females, and in men, production of testosterone.