follicle-stimulating hormone

noun

: a hormone produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that stimulates the growth of the ovum-containing follicles in the ovary and activates sperm-forming cells
abbreviation FSH

Examples of follicle-stimulating hormone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In a similar way to humans experiencing menopause, levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone increased in chimps, while levels of estrogens and progestins decreased. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Oct. 2023 Blood tests for fertility can also measure levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Amanda MacMillan, Health, 20 Oct. 2023 On average, their ratio of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was lower, increasing their chances of ovulating—and, therefore, of conceiving.1 These effects may be partly due to a ketogenic diet’s ability to stabilize blood sugar, a major player in the diagnosis of PCOS. Sarah Garone, Health, 18 Sep. 2023 Research suggests that fasting can increase the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are responsible for stimulating the production of testosterone in the body. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 25 June 2023 Your body releases follicle-stimulating hormone, which tells the ovaries to grow and prepare eggs for ovulation. Kristin Canning, Women's Health, 10 May 2023 Fertility hormone tests look for anywhere from one to seven markers of fertility, including progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) for ovulation prediction, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) for egg quality. Sarah Bradley, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2023 The GnRH signals the pituitary gland to produce follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Elizabeth Boskey, Verywell Health, 15 Mar. 2023 Testosterone and estrogen levels are assessed, and so are your levels of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones—the pituitary hormones responsible for testosterone and sperm production, respectively—as well as your cholesterol and lipids. Andrew Zaleski, Men's Health, 20 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'follicle-stimulating hormone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of follicle-stimulating hormone was in 1931

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Cite this Entry

“Follicle-stimulating hormone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/follicle-stimulating%20hormone. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

follicle-stimulating hormone

noun
: a hormone from the pituitary gland that causes the graafian follicles to grow in females and makes sperm-forming cells active in males

Medical Definition

follicle-stimulating hormone

noun
: a hormone from an anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that stimulates the growth of the ovum-containing follicles in the ovary and that activates sperm-forming cells

called also follitropin

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