-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
During this phase, follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) cause a follicle to rupture and release an egg from the ovary (gland where eggs form).
—Carley Millhone, Health, 13 Dec. 2024
It is characterized by high follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, low estradiol (estrogen) levels, and vasomotor symptoms.
—Joy Emeh, Health, 18 July 2024
To determine a person’s menopause status, most tests measure follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a chemical that plays a key role in the menstruation cycle.
—Jani Hall, Health, 18 Apr. 2024
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1931, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of follicle-stimulating hormone was
in 1931
Dictionary Entries Near follicle-stimulating hormone
Cite this Entry
“Follicle-stimulating hormone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/follicle-stimulating%20hormone. Accessed 24 Dec. 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
More from Merriam-Webster on follicle-stimulating hormone
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about follicle-stimulating hormone
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share