Test Detail
Understanding the Test
Interpreting Results
FAQ's
Other Tests
Content created by
Written by
Dr. Betina Chandolia
BDS, MDS - Oral Pathology and Microbiology
Reviewed by
Dr. Ashish Ranjan
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
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Follicle Stimulating Hormone

(FSH)
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
  1. No special preparation required
  2. In females, preferred sampling time is day 2 or 3 of menstrual cycle.
  3. Please provide the last day of your menstrual cycle at the time of sample collection.

Understanding Follicle Stimulating Hormone


What is Follicle Stimulating Hormone?

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a hormone associated with reproductive functions such as development of eggs in women and sperms in men. The FSH test is ordered in case of a variety of problems such as difficulty getting pregnant, menstrual irregularities, low sex drive, and early or delayed puberty.

The low levels of FSH may indicate decreased ovulation in women, reduced sperm count in men, problems at the level of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. High levels of FSH, on the other hand can be indicative of loss of ovarian function and menopause. FSH works closely with another hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH) to control sexual functions. Hence, the LH test is frequently ordered along with the FSH test.

What is Follicle Stimulating Hormone used for?

FSH test is done for the following indications:

  •        To evaluate infertility issues in females

  •        To evaluate the function of reproductive organs (ovaries or testicles)

  •        To assess irregular menstrual cycle in women

  •        To diagnose disorders of the pituitary gland or diseases involving the ovaries in women

  •        To evaluate early or delayed sexual maturation (puberty) in children

  •        To evaluate low sperm count in men

  •        To assess hypogonadism or gonadal failure in men

  •        To assess testicular dysfunction in men


Interpreting Follicle Stimulating Hormone results


Interpretations

Reference range of FSH is age- and gender-specific. As for women, the reference range is menstrual cycle phase-specific.

The reference range for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is as follows (3rd generation immunochemiluminescence assay):

 Females reference range:

·       Age 0-7 years: <6.7 mIU/mL

·       Age 8 years to adult:

·       Follicular phase: 3.1-7.9 mIU/mL

·       Ovulation peak: 2.3-18.5 mIU/mL

·       Luteal phase: 1.4-5.5 mIU/mL

·       Postmenopausal: 30.6-106.3 mIU/mL

 

Males 

·       Age 0-7 years: <6.7 mIU/mL

·       Age 8 years-adult:1.3-19.3 mIU/mL


 The reference range may vary from lab to lab*


Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Follicle Stimulating Hormone


Frequently Asked Questions about Follicle Stimulating Hormone

Q. What are the causes of high levels of FSH in Children?

The start of puberty might be the cause for high levels of FSH in children.

Q. What do low levels of FSH mean?

Low levels of FSH may indicate decreased ovulation in women, reduced sperm count in men, problems at the level of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, which are the hormone control centers in the brain, and stress.

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

FSH levels are usually just one part of the puzzle a doctor has to work out. To gain a clearer picture, further tests are likely to be needed. Following tests may be advised by your doctor: Estradiol Luteinizing hormone Progesterone Testosterone

Q. Can medicines have any effect on the levels of FSH?

There are certain medicines that can affect the levels of FSH. In order to prevent false readings, it is important for the individual to inform the doctor about all the medicines they are taking as they can alter the functioning of hormones. Medicines that could increase FSH levels include cimetidine, clomiphene, digitalis, and levodopa. Whereas, medicines that decrease FSH levels include hormone replacement therapies, oral contraceptives, and phenothiazines. Taking multivitamins that contain biotin or vitamin B7 may also affect the accuracy of the FSH test. Doctors usually recommend that a woman should not take these supplements for at least 12 hours before a test.

Q. Are there any special preparation required for FSH test?

As such no special preparations are required. However, in case of women, menstrual cycle timing is noted so as to compare the range accordingly.

Q. Can levels of FSH vary during different days of the menstrual cycle?

Yes, the FSH level can vary during the different phases of the menstrual cycle. Following are the normal range during different phases: Follicular phase: 3.1-7.9 mIU/ML Ovulation phase: 2.3-18.5 mIU/mL Luteal phase: 1.4-5.5 mIU/mL FSH levels can vary not only throughout the menstrual cycle but also from cycle to cycle. You can get a normal test value one month and an abnormal test value the next. Hence, to test basic fertility and to evaluate ovarian reserves, the FSH level is checked on day 3 of the menstrual cycle. The first day of the cycle is the day when the period begins. Reference range may vary from lab to lab* l range during different phases: Follicular phase: 3.1-7.9 mIU/ML Ovulation phase: 2.3-18.5 mIU/mL Luteal phase: 1.4-5.5 mIU/mL FSH levels can vary not only throughout the menstrual cycle but also from cycle to cycle. You can get a normal test value one month and an abnormal test value the next. Hence, to test basic fertility and to evaluate ovarian reserves, the FSH level is checked on day 3 of the menstrual cycle. The first day of the cycle is the day when the period begins. Reference range may vary from lab to lab*

Q. Which factors can affect the FSH level?

The levels of FSH can get affected by conditions like uncontrolled thyroid disease, sex-dependent hormone tumors, ovarian cysts, and unusual vaginal bleeding. Moreover, medicines like birth control pills, cimetidine, clomiphene, digitalis, levodopa, phenothiazines as well as medicines used in hormone replacement therapies can also affect the levels. Similarly, medicines used in hormone replacement therapies can also alter the FSH levels. Multivitamins containing biotin or vitamin B7 may also affect the accuracy of the FSH test. It is generally advised that a woman should avoid taking these supplements for at least 12 hours before a test.

Q. What do high levels of FSH indicate?

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

Q. 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, and testicular damage by treatments such as X-rays or chemotherapy.
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