gonadotropin-releasing hormone

Definition of gonadotropin-releasing hormone

gonadotropin-releasing hormone

(goh-NA-doh-TROH-pin-reh-LEE-sing HOR-mone)
A hormone made by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone causes the pituitary gland in the brain to make and secrete the hormones luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In men, these hormones cause the testicles to make testosterone. In women, they cause the ovaries to make estrogen and progesterone. Also called GnRH, LH-RH, LHRH, and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms