Growth hormone and reproductive function

There is clinical and laboratory evidence that the somatotrophic system is involved in the reproductive process. Patients with GH deficiency or GH resistance exhibit delayed puberty, and subjects with GH excess, as in acromegaly, may be infertile. In vitro studies have shown the presence of GH and IGF-I receptors in the gonads, both in women and men. In summary, there is evidence that the somatotrophic axis plays a role in the reproductive process in both sexes. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.