Which hypothalamic releasing hormone stimulates the release of FSH and LH?

• A. Gonadotropin RH
• B. Corticotrophin RH
• C. Thyrotropin RH
• D. Growth Hormone RH

Answer: (A)

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus acts on anterior pituitary gonadotrophs to stimulate the synthesis and pulsatile release of the gonadotropins FSH and LH. The pulsatile pattern is crucial; it promotes secretion, whereas continuous exposure would desensitize receptors and suppress these hormones. This hormone is specifically linked to regulating ovarian and testicular function through FSH and LH, while the other options act on different pituitary cell types: CRH stimulates ACTH, TRH stimulates TSH (and prolactin), and GHRH stimulates growth hormone.