Factors altering GnRH release

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is released in a pulsatile manner. This means that the hypothalamus and pituitary gland secrete GnRH in pulses of varying amplitude and frequency.

Occasionally, however, the pulsatile release of GnRH can be interrupted by certain factors. Some of these factors are listed below:

• Malfunction of the hypothalamus.
• Hyperprolactinemia.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Kallmann's syndrome.