Follicle-stimulating hormone

Graph of the menstrual cycle showing hormone levels including FSH.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (abbreviated FSH or sometimes called Follitropine) is a glycoprotein and hormone.

This hormone is made by the pituitary glands in the brain. It is made in the adeno hypophysis of pituitary gland. In females it controls the synthesising (making) process of progesterone and will cause the growth of follicles in the ovaries. In males, it will lead to the production of sperm. Other hormones control the release of FSH.

Luteinizing hormone will cause ovulation in females, or the production of testosterone in males.

Related pages

• Peptide hormone