Question

How does FSH affect the male reproductive system?

Answer 1

At puberty high amount of GnRH is secreted by the hypothalamus which leads to release of LH and FSH by the pituitary gland. This leads to growth and sexual maturity in males.

Complete answer:
FSH or follicle-stimulating hormone is released by the anterior pituitary and stimulates spermatogenesis in males and growth of ovarian follicles.LH or luteinizing hormone is also secreted by the anterior pituitary and this hormone affects ovulation and corpus luteum in females and leads to androgen production in males.

Hormones affect the male reproductive system in the following ways :
-Hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone or GnRH which stimulates the pituitary gland to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH ) and luteinizing hormone (LH ).
-FSH stimulates Sertoli cells of testes and aids in spermatogenesis.LH, in turn, stimulates interstitial or Leydig cells to release testosterone in the testes.
-Testosterone induces secondary sexual characters in males, affects spermatogenesis which leads to the production of sperms in the testes.
-Also, a high level of testosterone provides negative feedback on the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary which in turn inhibit the release of GnRH, FSH and LH. Inhibin is also produced by Sertoli cells which inhibit the release of GnRH and FSH which decreases the sperm count by slowing down spermatogenesis.

Note: FSH or follicle-stimulating hormone is released after pituitary gland is stimulated by the gonadotropin releasing hormone.FSH acts on Sertoli cells of testes which produce androgen binding proteins under the effect of FSH. Also FSH controls sperm production. If FSH levels are low this indicates a pituitary or hypothalamus disorder.