Glycoprotein hormone the placenta produces naturally during pregnancy; binding at LH receptors stimulates biosynthesis of testosterone and estrogen. FDA approval covers cryptorchidism, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and ovulation induction.

Master regulator of the reproductive system: it stimulates the GnRH neurons on which puberty, fertility, and reproductive function depend.

Synthetic form of GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone), which occurs naturally. It acts on the pituitary gland, which then releases luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); those two go on to regulate ovulation in women and testosterone production in men. FDA approval covers fertility treatment and diagnostic testing. GnRH is secreted in pulses, and that pattern is critical to proper reproductive function.

Peptide hormone of nine amino acids, made in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary. Its functions span social bonding, trust, empathy, reproduction, childbirth, lactation. The synthetic form holds FDA approval for labor induction and postpartum hemorrhage.

Hormonally active medication that carries luteinizing hormone (LH) alongside follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the two at a 1:1 ratio, extracted from postmenopausal women's urine. Fertility treatment is the FDA-approved use: in women it drives development of ovarian follicles, in men spermatogenesis. Some settings have largely moved to recombinant gonadotropins, but for assisted reproduction and ovulation induction HMG remains effective and cost-efficient.