Britannica Sources used in this answer

Which hormones are released by the anterior pituitary gland?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

human endocrine system The principal glands of the female and male human endocrine systems.

The anterior pituitary gland, also known as the adenohypophysis, secretes several essential protein or polypeptide hormones. These hormones are produced by specialized cells within the gland and include:12

Thyrotropin (TSH; thyroid-stimulating hormone): Stimulates the production of thyroid hormone.31
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; corticotropin): Stimulates the production of cortisol and androgenic hormones by the adrenal cortex.31
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Stimulates the growth of egg cells in women and sperm cells in men.31
Luteinizing hormone (LH): Stimulates the production of estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone.31
Growth hormone (GH; somatotropin): Stimulates linear growth in children and maintains tissues in adults.31
Prolactin: Stimulates milk production.31

Additionally, the pituitary glands of vertebrates produce melanotropin (MSH). The secretion of these hormones is tightly regulated by neurohormones released from the hypothalamus.45