A protein that may be a hormone and that may inhibit secretion of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
A female hormone whose level rises as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels fall. It rises in concert with progesterone. Its function in the estrus cycle is unclear.
A hormone produced by the testicles. Inhibin works with the hormone testosterone to regulate the rate of sperm development.
A hormone secreted by the corpus luteum in females and by the testicle in males. It inhibits the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin. In women, inhibin is secreted throughout the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy, but it normally is not present in postmenopausal women. It is, however, elevated in most postmenopausal women with granulosa or mucinous carcinomas of the ovary. In men, inhibin levels are elevated in prostatic hyperplasia and decreased in cancers of the prostate.