Follicle Stimulating Hormone FSH
Also Known as: follitropin, FSH, follicle-stimulating hormone
What is a Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) test?
This test measures the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in your blood. Your pituitary gland which is a small gland underneath your brain produces FSH. The hypothalamus in the brain, the pituitary gland, and the hormones generated by the ovaries and testicles all work together to control the production of FSH. FSH is important for sexual development and functioning such as :
- In women, it assists in the regulation of the menstrual cycle, stimulates the growth of egg in the ovary, and also signal the ovaries to produce the hormone estrogen.
- In men, FSH levels do not fluctuate much normally and they play their part in stimulating the testicles to produce testosterone, which is necessary for sperm production
- FSH levels in children are typically low during early childhood and begin to rise a few years before puberty.
A variety of problems such as infertility, menstrual irregularities, early or delayed puberty, and low sex drive can also be caused by the presence of too much or too little FSH levels in the blood.
What is the test used for?
To control sexual functioning, an FSH test works in combination with another hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH). Depending on whether you are a woman, a man, or a child, these tests are used in different ways.
These tests are most commonly used in women to: - Assist in determining the cause of infertility.
- Find out whether you have a problem with ovarian function
- Determine the cause of irregular or stopped menstrual cycles.
- Confirm that menopause (when a woman's menstrual periods have finished and she is no longer able to conceive) or perimenopause (transition period before menopause) has begun.
These tests are most commonly used in men to: - Assist in determining the cause of infertility.
- Find out the reason for low sperm count.
- Find out any testicular issues
- Find out the reason of reducing sex drive
- These tests are most commonly used in children to diagnose early or delayed puberty.
- If puberty begins before the age of nine in girls and before the age of ten in boys, it is called early puberty.
- Puberty is considered delayed if it has not begun by the age of 13 in girls and 14 in boys.
Why and when do you need this test?
If you are a woman, this test may be required if:
- You have been trying for a year and have not been able to conceive.
- Your menstrual cycle is not consistent ( irregular).
- Your periods have stopped (menopause). You can use this test to identify if you have reached menopause or are in the perimenopause stage.
If you are a man, this test may be required if:
- After a year of trying, you have not been able to get your spouse pregnant.
- Your sexual desire has reduced
If you experience symptoms of a pituitary disorder, both men and women may require this test. Some of the symptoms stated above are included, as well as: - Fatigue
- Weakness
- Loss of weight
- Loss of appetite
An FSH test may be required if your child does not appear to be commencing puberty at the appropriate age. Signs of puberty include:
- Breast enlargement in young girls
- Pubic hair growth
- Testicles and penis growth in boys
- Beginning of menstrual cycle in girls
What kind of sample is required for the test?
A small needle will be used by a healthcare professional to obtain a blood sample from a vein in your arm. A small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial once the needle is inserted. When the needle goes in or out, it may sting a little. It normally takes less than five minutes to complete this process.
Do you need to prepare for the test?
If you are a woman who has not yet reached menopause, your doctor may suggest that you have your test at a specified point in your menstrual cycle. If there are any other special instructions to follow regarding additional testing, your health care provider will inform you.
Are there any risks to this test?
Having a blood test carries relatively little risk. You may experience little pain or bruising where the needle gets inserted, but most symptoms disappear quickly.
What do the test results mean?
Your results will differ depending on whether you are a woman, a man, or a child.
If you are a woman, elevated FSH levels could indicate that you:
- Have Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI): loss of ovarian function before the age of 40.
- Have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a common hormone disease that affects women of childbearing age and is one of the leading reasons for infertility among women.
- Have Turner syndrome: a hereditary condition that affects female sexual development often causing infertility issues.
- Have started menopause or are in the premenopause stage
- Have an ovarian tumor
If you're a woman, low FSH levels could indicate:
- Your ovaries are not producing enough eggs.
- Your pituitary gland is not functioning properly.
- You have a problem in your hypothalamus ( a portion of the brain that regulates the pituitary gland and other vital bodily functions)
- You are underweight.
If you are a man, elevated FSH levels could imply one of the following: - Chemotherapy, radiation, infection, or alcohol abuse may have affected your testicles.
- Autoimmune Disease
- Germ Cell tumor
- You may have Klinefelter's syndrome: a hereditary disease (chromosome disorder) affecting male sexual development and may cause infertility issues.
If you are a man, low FSH levels may indicate - A disorder of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus
High levels of FSH and Luteinizing hormone (LH) in children may indicate that puberty is about to begin or has already begun. If this occurs before the age of nine in a girl or before the age of ten in a boy (precocious puberty), it could be an indication of:
- A condition that affects the central nervous system e.g central nervous tumor, meningitis, encephalitis)
- A brain injury or trauma
Low levels of FSH and LH in children may indicate a delay in puberty. Puberty can be delayed due to a variety of factors, including:
- A condition affecting the ovaries or testicles.
- Turner syndrome affecting young girls.
- Klinefelter's syndrome in boys
- A chronic infection.
- Deficiency of hormone
- An eating disorder
Should you have any questions regarding your results you should consult your healthcare provider.
Related Tests: Luteinizing Hormone test (LH), Testosterone blood test, Progesterone, Estrogens, Androstenedione, Semen Analysis, Anti-Müllerian Hormone, Prolactin, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin test (SHBG)
Frequently ordered together
Estradiol
Testosterone Free
Luteinizing Hormone LH
Progesterone
Testosterone Total
Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone-FSH and LH
17- Hydroxyprogesterone
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin SHBG
DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE
Anti-Mullerian Hormone AMH-Male
Anti-Mullerian Hormone AMH-Female
Androgen Receptor IHC with Interpretation
Ovarian Reserve (FSH)
38.00$
36.00$
29.00$
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36.00$
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37.00$
32.00$
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52.00$
21.00$
100.00$
85.00$
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