gonadotropin-releasing hormone

noun

go·​nad·​o·​tro·​pin-re·​leas·​ing hormone gō-ˌna-də-ˈtrō-pən-ri-ˈlē-siŋ- How to pronounce gonadotropin-releasing hormone (audio)
: a hormone secreted by the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland to release gonadotropins (such as luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone)
abbreviation GnRH

called also luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone

Examples of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Chemical menopause is temporary and occurs when a person takes medications called gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa). Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2024 The most common puberty blockers, gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs, inhibit the hormone that kick-starts puberty in both sexes. Alexa Lee, STAT, 7 Mar. 2024 Doctors inject a compound or use an implant that mimics the actions of a puberty-stimulating hormone that is released in the brain known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Tara John, CNN, 13 Mar. 2024 Isolating and analyzing gonadotropin-releasing hormone, for instance, sped along scientists’ understanding of the hormonal control of the menstrual cycle, and ultimately the development of birth control pills and of hormonal therapies for prostate cancer. Eryn Brown, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024 One approach that has been tested in cats targets gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), the master switch of the reproductive system. Jessica P. Hekman, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2015 Hormonal medications such as progestins (sometimes in the form of an IUD) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists may lessen symptoms of polyps and shrink uterine fibroids. Women's Health, 23 Aug. 2023 One option is medication from a class of drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, which block your body's natural production of estrogen and progesterone, which can stem fibroid growth. Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 18 July 2023 For those on the path to surgery, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists may be a better option. Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 20 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone was in 1974

Dictionary Entries Near gonadotropin-releasing hormone

gonadotropin

gonadotropin-releasing hormone

gonaduct

Cite this Entry

“Gonadotropin-releasing hormone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gonadotropin-releasing%20hormone. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

gonadotropin-releasing hormone

noun
gonadotropin-re·​leas·​ing hormone -ri-ˈlēs-iŋ- How to pronounce gonadotropin-releasing hormone (audio)
: a decapeptide hormone produced by the hypothalamus that stimulates the adenohypophysis to release gonadotropins (as luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone)
abbreviation GnRH

called also luteinizing hormone-releasing factor, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone

More from Merriam-Webster on gonadotropin-releasing hormone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!