Endocrine regulation · USMLE Step 1

Which of the following best describes how sex steroids regulate the HPG axis in adults under normal conditions?

  1. Positive feedback of testosterone on GnRH release in males
  2. Negative feedback of sex steroids on hypothalamus and pituitary
  3. Stimulation of GnRH release by estrogen in both sexes
  4. Inhibition of GnRH by gonadal peptides exclusively
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Correct answer: Negative feedback of sex steroids on hypothalamus and pituitary

Gonadal sex steroids (e.g., testosterone, estrogen) exert negative feedback on the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary to suppress GnRH and LH/FSH secretion, thereby regulating the HPG axis.

Difficulty: Medium Question 17 of 23

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