Definition of thyroid-stimulating hormone - NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

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thyroid-stimulating hormone (THY-royd STIM-yoo-LAY-ting HOR-mone)

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Thyroid-stimulating hormone stimulates the release of thyroid hormone from thyroglobulin. It also stimulates the growth of thyroid follicular cells. An abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone level may mean that the thyroid hormonal regulation system is out of control, usually as a result of a benign condition (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism). Also called TSH.

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