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
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.
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 For instance, users seeking fertility drugs can get an 83% discount on Gonal F, a medication containing a follicle-stimulating hormone, according to the platform. — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026 At the end of five weeks, the probiotic group's follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level significantly increased. — Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 20 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for follicle-stimulating hormone

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for follicle-stimulating hormone

See All Rhymes for follicle-stimulating hormone

Browse Nearby Words

follicle mite
follicle-stimulating hormone
follicular
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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 10 Jul. 2026.

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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

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