Definition

1. Noun:
   • A hormone that stimulates the gonads: A gonadotrophic hormone is a type of hormone, specifically secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and the placenta, that stimulates the function of the gonads (the ovaries in females and the testes in males) and controls reproductive activity.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor explained that the patient's infertility might be linked to a deficiency in gonadotrophic hormone.
  • Gonadotrophic hormones are crucial for regulating puberty and the menstrual cycle.

Advanced Usage

• In endocrinology: The term is often used in clinical and research contexts to discuss the regulation of the reproductive system. For example, measuring levels of gonadotrophic hormone is a standard part of fertility assessments.
• Specific types: While "gonadotrophic hormone" is a general term, it commonly refers to two specific hormones: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH).

Variants and Related Words

• Gonadotropin (n): This is a more common synonym and variant spelling for gonadotrophic hormone.
  • Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a gonadotropin produced during pregnancy.
• Gonadotrophic (adj): The adjective form describing something that stimulates the gonads.
  • The anterior pituitary has gonadotrophic cells.

Synonyms

• Gonadotropin: The most direct synonym.
• Gonad-stimulating hormone: A descriptive synonym.

Related Phrases

• Gonadotrophic activity: Refers to the stimulating effect on the gonads.
  • The drug was tested for its gonadotrophic activity.

Noun

1. hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and placenta; stimulates the gonads and controls reproductive activity