Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
Also written as: FSH — Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
A gonadotropin hormone that stimulates follicle development in ovaries and spermatogenesis in testes.
Full Definition
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that plays a crucial role in reproductive function. In females, FSH stimulates ovarian follicle development and estrogen production, with levels varying throughout the menstrual cycle. In males, FSH promotes spermatogenesis by acting on Sertoli cells. FSH measurements are essential in evaluating fertility, menopause, and various reproductive disorders.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when spelled out; FSH abbreviation is standard in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "Elevated FSH levels in a 52-year-old woman confirmed menopausal status." — Endocrinology report
- "The fertility workup included baseline follicle-stimulating hormone measurement on cycle day 3." — Reproductive medicine protocol
Also known as
FSH
Don't confuse with
Luteinizing Hormone
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin