What hormone is responsible for stimulating the production of testosterone in men?

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) plays a critical role in the regulation of testosterone production in men. It is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and acts on the Leydig cells in the testes, where it stimulates the synthesis and release of testosterone. This process is crucial for the development of secondary male sexual characteristics, sperm production, and overall reproductive function.

In addition to its role in testosterone production, LH is part of the broader endocrine system that regulates male reproductive hormones along with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). While FSH has important functions in spermatogenesis, it is LH that specifically targets the Leydig cells for testosterone secretion. The other hormones listed, such as estradiol and prolactin, do not directly stimulate testosterone production in men; instead, they have different roles in the endocrine system.