follicle-stimulating hormone n 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
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a hormone (see gonadotrophin) synthesized and released by the anterior pituitary gland. FSH stimulates ripening of the follicles in the ovary and formation of sperm in the testes. It is administered by injection to treat sterility due to lack of ovulation, amenorrhoea, and decreased sperm production. Stimulation of ovulation by FSH may, in some cases, lead to multiple pregnancy.
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(FSH) an anterior pituitary hormone that is a gonadotropic hormone, a glycopeptide of about 30,000 daltons that stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, stimulates estrogen secretion, promotes the endometrial changes characteristic of the first portion (proliferative phase) of the mammalian menstrual cycle, and stimulates spermatogenesis in the male. See also menotropins. Called also follitropin.Medical dictionary. 2011.