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

The repeat draw will include an LH/FSH blood test panel, which measures the luteinizing hormone and the follicle-stimulating hormone, two key reproductive hormones produced by the pituitary gland. — Luis Martinez, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026

Similarly, in patients with pituitary problems, tests for other blood hormones (such as luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone) can confirm the source of the problem. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026

During the menstrual phase, days 1 through 5, estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest and follicle-stimulating hormone begins rising. — Allison Palmer updated June 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026

The results also provide ways for a person to improve ovarian function by increasing ovarian reserve, optimizing mitochondrial function, and reducing follicle-stimulating hormone levels. — Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for follicle-stimulating hormone

• dehydroepiandrosterone
• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone

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