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Follicle Stimulating Hormone

Also referred as

Follitropin

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For men & women

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The Follicle Stimulating Hormone test measures the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH is a hormone that plays a significant role in sexual development and reproduction in men and women. This test is performed to detect and monitor hormonal imbalance, fertility issues and early or delayed puberty.

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Understanding Follicle Stimulating Hormone

Follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, plays an important role in sexual development and reproduction as it affects the function of ovaries in women and testicles in men. Evaluating the level of FSH is a crucial step in determining reproductive health in both men and women. FSH helps control the menstrual cycles and the production of eggs by the ovaries and facilitates the release of healthy eggs, a process called ovulation. In men, FSH helps control the sperm count and health of the sperm produced by the testicles (testes). FSH levels fluctuate constantly in women, with the highest volumes occurring prior to ovulation. While FSH levels in men normally remain stable after puberty.

The Follicle Stimulating Hormone test can be ordered when a woman is experiencing symptoms of irregular or heavy menstrual periods, has polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), she is facing difficulty in getting pregnant, and/or if problems with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus (an important part of the brain) are suspected. In men, this test can be performed when fertility issues and signs of low testosterone levels, such as decreased sex drive and low muscle mass, are observed. In children, especially teenagers, the Follicle Stimulating Hormone test is done if the doctor suspects a delayed or early puberty. This test may also be performed with other hormone tests such as prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, and testosterone to give a more comprehensive overview of your sexual and reproductive health.

In women, the preferred time to collect the sample is the second or third day of the menstrual cycle. For men, the test can be done at any time. Before getting tested with the Follicle Stimulating Hormone test let your doctor know about all the medicines that you are taking. Your doctor may ask you to temporarily stop taking certain medications, such as birth control pills to get accurate test results.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help them determine your medical condition and formulate your overall treatment plan.

What does Follicle Stimulating Hormone measure?

The Follicle Stimulating Hormone test measures the level of FSH in your body. FSH is produced and subsequently released into the blood by the pituitary gland. Its production is controlled by a feedback mechanism involving a hormone situated in the hypothalamus in the brain. The released FSH travels through your blood and then attaches to receptors in the ovaries and testes. It exerts functional effects on the reproductive organs, such as sexual development, puberty, and maturation. FSH levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle in response to estradiol and progesterone. Any disruption or issue in this feedback mechanism can prevent the normal function of the testicles or ovaries. Thus, determining its level provides crucial information regarding your health.

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FAQs related to Follicle Stimulating Hormone

Why do I need the Follicle Stimulating Hormone test?

You may need the Follicle Stimulating Hormone test to evaluate fertility issues, assess menstrual problems, detect disorders of the pituitary gland, evaluate people with suspected hypogonadism (a condition where little or no sex hormones are produced in males and females), low sperm count, or other diseases related to the reproductive function.

What do high levels of FSH indicate in women?

High levels of FSH in women can indicate loss of ovarian function or ovarian failure, precocious puberty, menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome, chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Turner’s syndrome), and reduction in the production of good quality eggs and embryos for fertilization.

What are the causes of high levels of FSH in men?

High levels of FSH in men may indicate Klinefelter’s syndrome, absence of testicles or impaired functioning of testicles, damage to testicles by a disease such as alcohol dependence, use of certain medicinal drugs, and testicular damage by treatments such as X-rays or chemotherapy.

What other hormone tests may be required along with abnormal FSH values?

Following hormone tests may be required along with abnormal FSH values: estradiol test, luteinizing hormone test, progesterone test, and testosterone test.

What can cause infertility in females?

The primary cause of infertility in females is failure to ovulate. This problem can occur due to polycystic ovarian disorder (PCOD) and primary ovarian insufficiency. Nearly 10% of women deal with infertility of some kind, and the chances of being infertile increases as a woman ages.

What causes infertility in males?

Male infertility can be caused by various biological factors and environmental factors such as the inability to produce sperm or poor quality sperm, medical issues such as varicocele, ejaculation problems, undescended testicles, hormonal imbalances, and unhealthy habits including alcohol, smoking, and drugs.

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Last Updated

8th Nov 2025