The anterior pituitary produces hormones that directly stimulate the mammary glands, the adrenal glands, the thyroid, and the ovaries or testis. Removal of GH, PRL, ACTH, TSH, FSH and LH from the system would have varying effects. Loss of ACTH would lead to the collapse of the adrenal cortex and a nearly complete loss of production of glucocorticoids and some weak androgens. The lack of prolactin would lead to decreased milk production in mammary glands. Without TSH, the follicular cells of the thyroid would shrink, leading to hypothyroidism. In the gonads, FSH and LH are essential in producing androgens and estrogens necessary for reproduction. The loss of these two hormones would prevent the maturation of eggs or sperm in the gonads as well as hinder the development of secondary sex characteristics.