FSH
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
To evaluate the function of your pituitary gland which regulates the hormones that control your reproductive system
When to Get Tested?
If you are having difficulty getting pregnant or are having irregular menstrual periods or if your doctor thinks that you have symptoms of a pituitary or hypothalamic disorder or to confirm menopause.
Sample Required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm
The Test Sample
What is being tested?
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is made by the pituitary gland in the brain. Control of FSH production is a complex system involving hormones produced by the gonads (ovaries or testes), the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, such as gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH).
In women, FSH stimulates the growth and develpoment of ovarian follicles (eggs) during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. This cycle is divided into two phases, the follicular and the luteal, by a mid-cycle surge of FSH and luteinising hormone (LH). Ovulation (release of the egg from the ovary) occurs shortly after this mid-cycle surge of hormones. During the follicular phase, FSH initiates the production of oestradiol by the follicle and the two hormones work together in the further development of the egg follicle. During the luteal phase, FSH stimulates the production of progesterone. Both oestradiol and progesterone help the pituitary control the amount of FSH produced. At the time of menopause, the ovaries stop functioning and FSH levels rise.
In men, FSH stimulates the testes to produce mature sperm. FSH levels are relatively constant in men after puberty.
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample is drawn by needle from a vein in the arm.
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?
No test preparation is needed.
The Test
How is it used?
FSH is often used in conjunction with other tests (LH, testosterone, oestradiol and progesterone) in the investigation of infertility in both men and women. FSH levels are also useful in the investigation of menstrual irregularities (irregular periods) and to aid in the diagnosis of pituitary gland disorders. In children, FSH and LH are used to diagnose delayed or precocious (early) puberty.
When is it requested?
In women and men, FSH and LH are requested as part of the investigation of infertility and pituitary gland disorders. FSH may also be used to determine if a woman has reached the menopause. FSH levels also help to determine the reason a man has a low sperm count. In children, FSH and LH may be requested when a boy or girl does not appear to be entering puberty at an appropriate age (either too late or too soon).
What does the test result mean?
In women, FSH and LH levels can help to tell the difference between primary ovarian failure (failure of the ovaries themselves) and secondary ovarian failure (failure of the ovaries due to disorders of either the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus in the brain). Increased levels of FSH and LH are consistent with primary ovarian failure. Some causes of primary ovarian failure are listed below.
Developmental defects:
- Ovarian agenesis (failure to develop ovaries)
- Chromosomal abnormality, such as Turner’s syndrome
- Ovarian steroidogenesis defect, such as 17 alpha hydroxylase deficiency
Premature ovarian failure due to:
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Autoimmune disease
Chronic anovulation (failure to ovulate) due to:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Adrenal disease
- Thyroid disease
- Ovarian tumour
When a woman enters the menopause and her ovaries stop working, FSH levels will rise.
Low levels of FSH and LH are consistent with secondary ovarian failure due to a pituitary or hypothalamic problem.
In men, high FSH levels are due to primary testicular failure. This can be due to developmental defects in testicular growth or to testicular injury, as indicated below.
Developmental defects:
- Gonadal agenesis (failure to develop testes)
- Chromosomal abnormality, such as Klinefelters syndrome
Testicular failure:
- Viral infection (mumps)
- Trauma
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Autoimmune disease
- Germ cell tumour
Low levels of FSH are consistent with pituitary or hypothalamic disorders.
In young children, high levels of FSH and LH and development of secondary sexual characteristics at an unusually young age are an indication of precocious (early) puberty. This is much more common in girls than in boys.
Is there anything else I should know?
FSH results can be increased with use of certain drugs, such as cimetidine, clomiphene, digitalis and levodopa. FSH results can decrease with oral contraceptives (the pill), phenothiazines and hormone treatments.
Common Questions
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Article Sources
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