In women, the two main gonadotropins are follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). FSH stimulates the growth and development of follicles in the ovaries, and LH triggers ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary).
In men, the main gonadotropins are FSH and testosterone. FSH stimulates the production of sperm in the testes, and testosterone is responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, such as a deep voice and facial hair.
Gonadotropins are produced by the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain. The hypothalamus, another part of the brain, controls the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland.