Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Test
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Test
The FSH test measures the level of follicle-stimulating hormone in your blood. It is a reproductive hormone produced by the pituitary gland and plays an important role in the development and functioning of the body, such as the development of eggs in females and sperm in males. Healthcare providers use this test to determine any fertility issues and disorders of the pituitary gland.
FSH test is also known as Follitropin test, follicle-stimulating hormone.
FSH facilitates production of testosterone in males and ovulation in females and helps in the regulation of the menstrual cycle in female. It also stimulates sperm production in males.
The FSH test determines the levels of the pituitary hormone FSH in the blood. Inadequate levels of FSH may lead to hormonal imbalance, which may affect the sexual functioning of the body. Thus, getting your FSH tested is recommended to screen for and monitor hormonal causes in cases of infertility and pituitary gland diseases
What is an FSH test used for?
The FSH test is used to determine:
Irregular menstrual cycles
Sperm functioning
Onset of puberty
Vaginal discharge
Tumours of the pituitary gland
Who should get tested?
FSH test is recommended to be performed frequently for individuals at increased risk of fertility issues. The following factors can increase the risk of infertility and may affect reproductive health:
Irregular periods
Difficulty in conceiving
Infertility
Early or delayed puberty
Sudden weight gain
Reduced or increased appetite
Low sperm count
Preparation for test
No special preparation is required for this test. The days of the menstrual cycle must be mentioned. It is typically preferred to collect samples on days 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle.
The normal range may vary among different laboratories. The table below gives the normal range of FSH
Interpretation of results (mille international units per millilitre)
FSH range in Male
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Male: |
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Before puberty - 0 to 5.0 mIU/mL |
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During puberty - 0.3 to 10.0 mIU/mL |
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Adult - 1.5 to 12.4 mIU/mL |
FSH range in Female
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Female: |
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Before puberty - 0 to 4.0 mIU/mL |
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During puberty - 0.3 to 10.0 mIU/mL |
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Before menopause - 4.7 to 21.5 mIU/mL |
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After menopause - 25.8 to 134.8 mIU/mL |
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Deviation from normal results indicates the following:
·      For effective reproduction, minimum quantities of FSH must be present at periods during the menstrual cycle.
·      Women who have high FSH levels may have Turner's syndrome, primary ovarian insufficiency, ovarian cancer, or early menopause. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by a high LH/FSH ratio (Luteinizing Hormone/ follicle stimulating hormone).
·      High FSH levels in men may be a sign of sperm quality problems, Klinefelter syndrome, or testicular problems. All of these could cause male infertility.
·      High levels of FSH in children before puberty indicate the early beginning of puberty.
·      Decreased levels of FSH may prevent ovulation and reduce sperm production, which can affect both women’s and men's fertility. Low levels can result from abnormalities with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, from being underweight, or from other problems with the central nervous system.
Low FSH levels in children may indicate delayed puberty.
FAQs
What is the significance of the FSH test in females?
FSH promotes the development of eggs in the ovaries and helps regulate the menstrual cycle in females. The test is used to examine or help diagnose
o    Menopause
o    Women who have polycystic ovary syndrome or ovarian cysts
o    Abnormal vaginal or menstrual bleeding
Problems becoming pregnant, or infertility
When FSH test should be performed?
The FSH test is used to diagnose male and female infertility problems. Depending on various factors like women’s age and stage, results vary. It can be used to identify any dysfunctions or irregularities in the menstrual cycle. It is also used to determine the underlying reason for infertility in women who are having difficulty becoming pregnant
How an FSH test is performed?
During this test, a healthcare professional will take a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle, which is then collected in a test tube or vial. This usually takes less than five minutes
What are the risks associated with the FSH test?
There are no known risks. During a blood test, one may experience minor pain or bruising where the needle was inserted, but most symptoms will subside quickly
How long should I wait for my FSH test results?
FSH test results are available in 2 to 3 working days. You may receive your test results via email, or you can receive a call from the doctor's office to go over the results or to schedule a follow-up appointment
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