Gonadotropins are hormones that can be injected into females to do what?

Gonadotropins are hormones, such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which play a critical role in the regulation of the reproductive system. When injected into females, they primarily function to mimic or amplify the natural hormonal signals that stimulate ovarian activity, leading to follicle development and ovulation. This means that gonadotropins can influence the reproductive cycle by either mimicking the body's natural hormones or interrupting the usual regulatory feedback mechanisms, leading to various reproductive outcomes.

For instance, in assisted reproductive technologies, gonadotropins are often used to induce superovulation, allowing multiple follicles to develop simultaneously, which increases the chances of successful fertilization and pregnancy. This therapeutic use showcases their role in managing or manipulating natural hormone production in a controlled manner.

The other choices propose roles for gonadotropins that aren't part of their primary function. Stimulating lactation is primarily associated with prolactin, enhancing maternal behavior generally involves behavioral and neurological factors rather than hormones like gonadotropins, and decreasing ovulation rates contradicts the primary effect of these hormones, which is to promote ovulation rather than hinder it. Therefore, the correct understanding of gonadotropins aligns with their