gonadotrophin (gonadotrophic hormone) Any of several hormones, secreted by the mammalian anterior pituitary gland, that stimulate reproductive activity of the testes or ovaries (the gonads). Pituitary gonadotrophins include follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Chorionic gonadotrophin is a hormone produced by the placenta of higher mammals that maintains the corpus luteum. The presence of large amounts of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in the urine of women is an indication of pregnancy.

gonadotrophin (gonadotrophic hormone) (gon-ă-doh-troh-fin) n. any of several hormones synthesized and released by the pituitary gland, such as follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, that act on the gonads to promote production of sex hormones and either sperm or ova. See also human chorionic gonadotrophin.