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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 second season—the follicular phase, known as inner spring—is characterized by increasing levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen, so energy levels tend to rise and mood improves.
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Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
This creates more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which can increase sperm count.
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Anju Goel, Verywell Health, 2 Jan. 2025
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).
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Carley Millhone, Health, 13 Dec. 2024
It is characterized by high follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, low estradiol (estrogen) levels, and vasomotor symptoms.
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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.
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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.
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Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Oct. 2023
Blood tests for fertility can also measure levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
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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.
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Sarah Garone, Health, 18 Sep. 2023
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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 7 Feb. 2025.
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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