Both follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone are gonadotropic hormones. In females, FSH promotes the growth and development of follicle cells in ovaries. Follicle cells surround a developing oocyte. In response to FSH they grow and develop to the point that one ruptures and expels an ovum to be fertilized. In males, FSH stimulates the production of sperm in the testes.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) induces ovulation, the release of an egg by the ovary, in females. It also stimulates the secretion of estrogen and the progestins, such as progesterone. In males, LH stimulates the production and secretion of androgens, the male sex hormones, including testosterone.