Normal Anatomy and Physiology of the Female Pelvis Related

Review Normal Anatomy and Physiology of the Female Pelvis related questions and content

For both males and females, which is the first hormone secreted to initiate puberty?

  • A. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
  • B. Estrogen
  • C. Testosterone
  • D. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH is the first hormone secreted to initiate puberty. It acts on the pituitary gland to stimulate the release of FSH and LH, which then stimulate the production of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone. FSH and LH regulate the maturation of ovarian follicles in females and sperm production in males. Estrogen and testosterone are produced in response to FSH and LH, so they are not the first hormones secreted to initiate puberty. Thus, GnRH is the primary hormone that kickstarts the puberty process by signaling the release of FSH and LH.