What is GnRH hormone? How does it affect your life? (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH))

We all go through puberty. It's a big change in our lives. And when we think about having a child, when we talk about women's monthly menstrual cycles, do you know about the secret controller behind all this? That controller is a hormone called GnRH. Although this name may be a little strange, this is something that is essential for the functioning of our body's reproductive system. Today, let's talk about what this GnRH hormone is and how important it is to our body.

So, what is this GnRH?

Simply put, GnRH is a hormone that everyone produces in their bodies. When you start puberty at a young age, your levels of this hormone increase. This stimulates the production of two other important hormones : Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) .

These two hormones, FSH and LH, are very important for our reproductive health. They are called gonadotropins. These hormones are responsible for the proper maturation of our gonads and their function. In women, these gonads are called the ovaries . In men, they are called the testicles .

Other names for GnRH

Your doctor may use names like these when talking about this hormone:

• Luliberin
• Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH)

What is the function of GnRH in the female body?

In the female reproductive system, the hormone GnRH indirectly affects the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone . These are the main sex hormones in women. These hormones are very important for ovulation and conception.

Here's what happens in the middle of your monthly menstrual cycle:

• Your body releases more of a type of estrogen called estradiol, which increases the production of GnRH.
• Due to the increase in GnRH, the FSH hormone decreases and the LH hormone increases.
• Those changes cause an egg to be released from an ovary. We call this ovulation .

What happens to GnRH in the male body?

In the male reproductive system, the hormone GnRH stimulates the production of two main types of hormones:

• Luteinizing hormone (LH): This determines how much male sex hormones called testosterone and androgens are produced in the body.
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): This affects sperm production.

How is this GnRH hormone produced in the body?

Our body's endocrine system is responsible for producing GnRH. Imagine, the GnRH hormone is produced by neurons in the hypothalamus in our brain and released into the bloodstream. Then, this hormone travels through the blood and goes to the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. Then, the pituitary gland is stimulated to produce the FSH and LH hormones we talked about earlier and release them into the bloodstream.

What factors affect GnRH levels?

GnRH levels are usually low during childhood. They increase during puberty . After that, GnRH levels are controlled by the sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone) in our bodies. It's like a feedback system. When sex hormone levels increase, the body reduces the production of GnRH. When sex hormones decrease, the body increases the production of GnRH. But there is one exception to this. That is when women ovulate. At that time, both GnRH and estradiol increase.

What happens if GnRH levels increase?

It is very rare for GnRH to be produced in excess. If levels are high, there is a risk of developing benign tumors called pituitary adenomas . These tumors can cause the body to produce too much of the hormones FSH and LH. As a result, the body's estrogen or testosterone levels can become too high. If GnRH levels are high in children, a condition called precocious puberty can occur.

Problems that occur if GnRH levels decrease

Low GnRH levels can cause various problems for both women and men. Let's take a look at what they are.

How are GnRH levels measured?

Rather than measuring GnRH directly, it is usually done to measure the levels of the hormones FSH and LH that it stimulates. This is done with a simple blood test . There is no need to fast before this test. However, for women who are menstruating, your doctor may ask you to do this blood test on a specific day of your menstrual cycle.

In some cases, a GnRH stimulation test is done to determine if there is a problem with GnRH production. This is what happens:

1. First, your doctor will take a blood sample.

2. Then, you will be given a lab-made GnRH hormone, either as an injection or through saline.

3. Over the next two hours, several blood samples are taken at 15-30 minute intervals.

4. You can then go home. You will need to come back after 24 hours and give a final blood sample.

5. The levels of FSH, LH, and other sex hormones in these blood samples are tested in the laboratory.

What if there are abnormalities in the test report?

If the results of this test are much higher than normal, it could be a sign of early puberty. Your doctor will explain this to you in more detail.

How do we keep our hormonal system healthy?

There are a few simple things we can do to keep our endocrine system, or hormonal system, healthy.

• Exercise well: Be physically active at least a few days a week.
• Get enough sleep: Get the exact amount of sleep you need for the day.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Eat a balanced diet that is low in fat and cholesterol.
• Avoid smoking: If you smoke and use tobacco products, seek help to quit. Nicotine can have negative effects on your hormonal system.
• Take your medication correctly: If you have hormone-related conditions like diabetes or thyroid, take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

GnRH-related drugs (medications)

In medicine, drugs are used that alter the action of the GnRH hormone. These can stop the production of hormones (FSH, LH) that stimulate the production of sex hormones from the pituitary gland.

What conditions is this medicine used for?

Doctors use these GnRH drugs to treat prostate cancer in men. They are also used to treat the following conditions in women:

• Breast cancer
• Endometriosis
• Female infertility
• Excessive menstrual bleeding (Menorrhagia)
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
• Uterine fibroids