Hypothalamic and Pituitary Hormones
The hypothalamus and pituitary gland are central to the endocrine system, regulating growth, reproduction, metabolism, and stress response through hormone secretion.
Pharmacodynamics
- Gonadotropins (FSH & LH):
- Stimulate ovarian follicle growth and spermatogenesis.
- Used in infertility treatment.
- Gonadorelin (GnRH analog):
- Stimulates release of FSH and LH from anterior pituitary.
- Promotes ovulation and sperm production.
- Menotropins:
- Contain both FSH and LH.
- Promote ovarian stimulation and sperm production.
- Puregon (Recombinant FSH):
- Used for ovulation induction in ART (IVF/IUI).
- Bromocriptine:
- Inhibits prolactin release from the pituitary.
- Used for hyperprolactinemia, restores normal menstrual cycles.
- Danazol:
- Suppresses LH and FSH secretion.
- Inhibits ovulation, decreases estrogen → useful in endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease.
Side Effects
- Gonadotropins, Gonadorelin, Menotropins:
- OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome)
- Abdominal discomfort, headache, bloating
- Injection site pain
- Bromocriptine:
- Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue
- Rare: hallucinations, psychosis, confusion
- Danazol:
- Weight gain, acne, hirsutism
- Menstrual irregularities, hot flashes, mood swings
- Rare: thromboembolism, liver tumors, benign intracranial hypertension
Drug Interactions
- Danazol:
- Interacts with oral anticoagulants → ↑ bleeding risk
- Potentiates cyclosporine toxicity
- Gonadotropins / Puregon:
- When used with other fertility drugs → ↑ risk of OHSS