Clinical Applications of Gonadotropins in the Female: Assisted Reproduction and Beyond.

Gonadotropins (LH, FSH, and hCG) act in concert in the regulation of female reproductive system. Exploiting this influence, they are part of the assisted reproductive technique protocols. In this review we analyze the effectiveness of the different available gonadotropin formulations and the consequent adverse events. Moreover, different protocols for poor-responders and polycystic ovary syndrome affected women are explored. All these clinical different approaches have specific molecular bases, covered in this review starting from evolution and population genetics, getting to in vitro studies of gonadotropins action. Beyond their application in assisted reproductive technique, gonadotropins have also been largely studied for their intertwined network of interactions with other hormones, which all together contribute to the functioning of the reproductive system and other hormonal axes. In particular, there is both clinical and molecular evidence of interaction between thyroid hormones and insulin growth factors with gonadotropins. Finally, gonadotropins are widely studied for their role in the maintenance of the proper balance between cell proliferation and differentiation, and therefore in cancer.