Gonadotropin-releasing hormone facts for kids

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (often called GnRH) is a special chemical messenger, or hormone, made in your brain. It's produced by tiny cells called neurons in a part of your brain called the hypothalamus. Think of it as a key that unlocks other important hormones in your body.

GnRH plays a super important role in controlling how your body grows and changes, especially during puberty. It tells another gland in your brain, the anterior pituitary, to release two other hormones: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones are essential for your reproductive system to work properly.

GnRH: Your Body's Master Switch

GnRH is like a master switch for your reproductive system. It helps control the release of other hormones that are key for development.

How GnRH Works in Your Body

GnRH is released in small, regular bursts. These bursts signal your pituitary gland to make and release FSH and LH. FSH and LH then travel through your blood to your reproductive organs. They help with things like growth and the start of puberty.

GnRH and Puberty

When you are a young child, your body makes very little GnRH. But when you reach puberty, the amount of GnRH your brain releases suddenly increases. This increase is what kick-starts all the amazing changes that happen during puberty, like growth spurts and the development of your reproductive system.

GnRH and Reproduction

Once you've gone through puberty, GnRH continues to be important. It helps keep your reproductive system working correctly. However, if someone becomes pregnant, the body doesn't need GnRH activity in the same way. Other hormones take over to support the pregnancy.

See also

In Spanish: Hormona liberadora de gonadotropina para niños

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