follicle-stimulating hormone

noun

Definition of follicle-stimulating hormone

: 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

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Recent Examples of follicle-stimulating hormone from the Web

The rise in multiple birth rates, according to the organization, is associated with expanded use of fertility therapies and older maternal ages at childbearing because of elevated follicle-stimulating hormone levels.

— barry adams, The Seattle Times, "Wisconsin high school has 17 sets of twins," 10 Jan. 2018
That meant injections of follicle-stimulating hormones, an egg-retrieval process that left her feeling miserable, and a series of shrinking numbers: from 23 eggs to just two genetically intact, fertilized embryos.

— anndee hochman, Philly.com, "The Parent Trip: Talissa Ford of Graduate Hospital neighborhood," 29 Nov. 2017
According to Women Who Experienced Them An ovarian reserve test generally consists of a blood and/or urine analysis to determines levels of the hormones inhibin B, anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

— Health.com, "This Popular Fertility Test Might Be a Total Waste of Time—Here's Why," 11 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'follicle-stimulating hormone.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of follicle-stimulating hormone

circa 1943

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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Medical Dictionary

follicle-stimulating hormone

noun

medical Definition of follicle-stimulating hormone

: 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