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FSH, LH & Prolactin

FSH, LH & Prolactin Includes 3 testsView All
785958 18% Off
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
  1. Do not eat or drink anything other than water for 8-12 hours before the test
  2. In females, preferred sampling time is day 2 or 3 of menstrual cycle.

Understanding FSH, LH & Prolactin


What is FSH, LH & Prolactin?

FSH-LH-Prolactin is a group of tests which help in evaluating the functioning of reproductive organs in both males & females. It includes three tests: FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone), LH (Luteinizing hormone) and Prolactin test for checking the level of most important reproductive hormones in the body. These tests help in finding the cause of erectile dysfunction, delayed puberty, irregular menstruation, loss of libido, abnormal breast milk discharge and more.

What is FSH, LH & Prolactin used for?

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

  • To evaluate infertility issues in females

  • To evaluate the role of prolactin in case of lactation failure in women after childbirth

  • To assess the irregular menstrual cycle in women

  • To investigate the cause of abnormal breast milk discharge (galactorrhea), menstrual irregularities, or infertility in non-pregnant 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

  • To investigate the cause of erection problems, testicular failure, or abnormal breast discharge in men

  • To investigate the cause of loss of sex drive (libido) in both men and women

  • To detect and monitor the progress of prolactinoma (tumor of the pituitary gland which increases the levels of prolactin) in both men and women

 

 

What does FSH, LH & Prolactin measure?

Contains 3 tests

Follicle Stimulating Hormone

expand icon

Serum Prolactin

A Serum Prolactin test measures the levels of prolactin hormone in a person’s body. During pregnancy, prolactin, estrogen, and progesterone hormones stimulate breast milk development. Following childbirth, prolactin helps initiate and maintain the breast milk supply. If a woman does not breastfeed, her prolactin concentration will soon drop back to pre-pregnancy levels.

Besides pregnancy, the most common cause of elevated prolactin concentration is prolactinoma, a prolactin-producing tumor of the pituitary gland. Prolactinomas are the most common type of pituitary tumor and are usually benign (non-cancerous). They develop more frequently in women but are also found in men.

If the pituitary gland and/or the tumor enlarge significantly, it can put pressure on the optic nerve, causing headaches and visual disturbances, and can interfere with the other hormones that the pituitary gland produces.

Know more about Serum Prolactin

Luteinising Hormone

Interpreting FSH, LH & Prolactin 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 

 

·       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 following values are considered to be normal, LH blood levels measured in international units per liter (IU/L):

Women:

·       Follicular phase of the menstrual cycle: 1.9 to 12.5 IU/L

·       LH surge: 8.7 to 76.3 IU/L

·       Luteal phase of the menstrual cycle: 0.5 to 16.9 IU/L

·       Pregnancy: less than 1.5 IU/L

·       Post-menopause: 15.9 to 54.0 IU/L

·       Women using contraceptives: 0.7 to 5.6 IU/L

Men:

·       Age group of 20 and 70 years: 0.7 to 7.9 IU/L

·       >70 years of age: 3.1 to 34.0 IU/L

 

The following values are considered to be normal, prolactin blood levels measured in international units per liter (ng/mL):

Patients (Age)                                           Reference Range(s)

Males ≤ 18 Years

 

  Tanner Stage 1 (< 9.8 Years)    

  Tanner Stage 2 (9.8 - 14.5 Years) 

  Tanner Stage 3 (10.7 - 15.4 Years)  

  Tanner Stage 4 (11.8 - 16.2 Years)   

  Tanner Stage 5 (12.8 - 17.3 Years)    


Males > 18 Years

                   

< 10 ng/mL

< 6.1 ng/mL 

< 6.1 ng/mL

   2.8 - 11.0 ng/mL

   2.8 - 11.0 ng/mL

  

    2.10 - 17.70 ng/mL

In Females ≤ 18 Years

 

  Tanner Stage I (< 9.2 Years)

3.6 - 12.0 ng/mL

  Tanner Stage 2 (9.2 - 13.7 Years)

2.6 - 18.0 ng/mL

  Tanner Stage 3 (10 - 14.4 Years)

2.6 - 18.0 ng/mL

  Tanner Stage 4 (10.7 - 15.6 Years)

3.2 - 20.0 ng/mL

  Tanner Stage 5 (11.8 - 18.6 Years)

3.2 - 20.0 ng/mL

Adult Females

  Non Pregnant                                             


2.80 - 29.20 ng/mL

  Pregnant  

  Post Menopausal

9.70 - 208.50 ng/mL

1.80 - 20.30 ng/mL

Reference range may vary from lab to lab*

 

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about FSH, LH & Prolactin


Frequently Asked Questions about FSH, LH & Prolactin

Q. Are there any foods which can increase the levels of prolactin?

Yes, foods such as barley (jau), fennel (saunf) and fenugreek (methi) seeds, oats, whole wheat, brown rice, and papaya can increase the levels of prolactin. These foods are considered to be helpful in milk production in new mothers.

Q. Are there any foods which can decrease the levels of prolactin?

Yes, foods rich in vitamin B6 like bananas, potatoes, chicken or spinach, foods rich in zinc (e.g., beef, turkey, beans, shellfish) and zinc supplements can decrease the prolactin levels.

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.

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. 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. 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. How LH test results are interpreted in women?

In women, there are two types of ovarian failure, primary and secondary. This test helps to analyze LH and FSH levels which can in turn help to differentiate between the two types of ovarian failure. Primary ovarian failure is when the problem is within the ovaries or there is a lack of ovarian development. However, secondary ovarian failure occurs due to disorders of either the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus. Primary ovarian failure: In this, the levels of LH and FSH rise. The following can be some causes of primary ovarian failure: · Developmental defects: Failure to develop ovaries (ovarian agenesis) · Chromosomal abnormality: Turner syndrome · Defect in steroid production by the ovaries such as 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency · Premature ovarian failure due to exposure to radiation, chemotherapy, and autoimmune disease · Chronic failure to ovulate (anovulation) due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal disease, thyroid disease, and ovarian tumor · Menopause: In this, a woman's ovaries cease to function; thus, it results in increased levels of LH. Secondary ovarian failure: In this, low levels of LH and FSH are observed which indicates a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. Here, LH response to GnRH can help differentiate between secondary dysfunction and tertiary disorder (a problem involving the hypothalamus). Following baseline level of LH measurement, a dose of GnRH is given by injection. A subsequent increase in LH level shows that the pituitary gland responded to the GnRH and indicates a disorder involving the hypothalamus. However, a reduced level of LH shows that the pituitary gland did not respond to the GnRH and suggests a disease involving the pituitary gland.

Q. How LH test results are interpreted in men?

Primary testicular failure: High levels of LH may indicate primary testicular failure. The following can be the causes: · Developmental defects: Failure to develop gonads (gonadal agenesis) · Chromosomal abnormality such as Klinefelter syndrome · Testicular failure: Viral infection (mumps), Trauma, Exposure to radiation, Chemotherapy, and Autoimmune disease · Germ cell tumor · Testicular injury Secondary failure: Low levels of LH and FSH can be seen in case of secondary failure of the testicles. This may indicate a problem with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.

Q. How LH test results are interpreted in children?

In young children, high levels of LH and FSH with the development of secondary sexual characteristics at an unusually young age are an indication of precocious puberty. Usually, this premature development is due to impaired functioning of the central nervous system. It can also have a few different underlying causes such as: · Central nervous system tumor · Brain injury, trauma · Inflammation within the central nervous system (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis) · Brain surgery Normal prepubescent levels of LH and FSH in children showing some signs of pubertal changes may indicate a condition called "precocious pseudopuberty". The signs and symptoms are caused by elevated levels of the hormones estrogen or testosterone. This may be caused by: · Hormone-secreting tumors · Adrenal gland tumors · Ovarian tumors or cysts · Testicular tumors However, normal FSH and LH levels with a few signs of puberty can also indicate a benign form of precocious puberty, with no underlying or discernible cause, or may just be a normal variation of puberty. In delayed puberty, LH and FSH levels can be normal or below considerable range. The test for LH response to GnRH in addition to other tests may help to diagnose the reason for the delayed puberty. Some of the underlying causes of delayed puberty can include: · Failure of the ovaries or testicles · Hormone deficiency · Turner syndrome · Klinefelter syndrome · Chronic infections · Cancer · Eating disorder (anorexia nervosa)

Q. How is the blood sample taken?

The healthcare provider takes a blood sample from the arm. The site from where the blood is to be withdrawn is cleaned with a swab of rubbing alcohol. This is then followed by inserting a small needle which has a tube attached to it for collecting blood. Once the sufficient blood for analysis is withdrawn, the needle is removed. The site is then covered with a gauze pad.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the withdrawal of blood sample procedure?

As such there is no risk but in few cases, bruising, bleeding, and infection at the puncture site can be seen. In very few cases, there can be swelling of the vein after the blood is withdrawn.

Q. Is prolactinoma considered a cancerous tumor?

No, prolactinoma is not a form of cancer. It is a benign tumor of the pituitary gland which means it is simply overgrowth of cells in the pituitary gland.

Q. Is prolactin hormone present in men?

Yes, prolactin hormone is present in men. High levels of prolactin have been associated with low sex drive and decreased erectile function.

Q. Does high prolactin levels affect the levels of testosterone?

Yes, high levels of prolactin can cause erectile dysfunction, as the levels of testosterone start to decrease.

Q. Which medicines can affect the levels of Prolactin hormone?

Certain drugs can cause a low level of Prolactin such as Dopamine (used in conditions like shock), Levodopa (used for Parkinson’s disease), or Ergot alkaloid derivatives (used for severe headaches). However, certain drugs can cause elevated levels of Prolactin such as CNS depressants, Estrogen, drugs used for the treatment of hypertension (e.g., Reserpine, Verapamil, Methyldopa), and drugs used for treating gastroesophageal reflux like cimetidine.

Q. What is prolactinoma?

Prolactinomas are tumors which are usually benign (non-cancerous) of the pituitary gland in which there is production of high amounts of prolactin. These are more common in women as compared to men. Prolactinomas may cause menstrual irregularities, infertility, and bone loss in women. However, in men it can cause erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia (breast enlargement), decreased muscle mass, and bone loss. If the size of the tumor is quite large, it can cause pressure symptoms like headache and problems of the vision.
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FSH, LH & Prolactin test price for other cities


Price inBangaloreRs. 1062
Price inMysoreRs. 785
Price inNagpurRs. 785
Price inNashikRs. 785
Price inPuneRs. 766
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