Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) Axis

The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis is a system involving three key parts: the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the gonads (ovaries and testes). It regulates reproduction, sexual development, and hormone production. The hypothalamus releases a hormone that signals the pituitary gland to produce its own hormones, which then stimulate the gonads to produce sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone. This complex feedback loop ensures balance in reproductive functions, influencing growth, puberty, menstrual cycles, and fertility, while also affecting mood and energy levels.