Gonadotroph cells in the Adenohypophysis secrete the gonadotropins.
During puberty, these hormones provide signals for gonadal maturity. Increased production of gonadotropins may be an underlying cause of precocious puberty. Decreased production of gonadotropins may be the underlying cause of hypogonadism and delayed onset of puberty. During adulthood, these hormones control aspects of fertility, primarily in females.