Sex hormones and AAS

In both sexes it is the Gonadotrope Releasing Hormone GnRH that is released from hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to secrete Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Lutenizing Hormone. So far males and females are identical. Here come the differences.

In men LH stimulates the Leydig Cells in the testes to produce testosterone that is needed for sperm production. FSH stimulates the Sertoli Cells and thereby increases sperm production. The testosterone inhibits GnRH and so does AAS (Anabolic-Androgen Steroids). If you add too much AAS it will inhibit the natural production of LH and FSH which leads to loss of sperm production (reversible).

In women FSH stimulates the maturation of the follicles in the ovary. The follicle then produces estradiol that inhibit FSH and stimulates LH. That will bring about a LH peak which stimulates oocyte maturation and ovulation. AAS of course interferes with the normal menstrual cycle and gives females certain male characteristics.