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Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) blood test

 Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) blood test

The follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) blood test measures the level of FSH in blood. FSH is a hormone released by the pituitary gland, located on the underside of the brain

Normal Results

Normal FSH levels will differ, depending on a person's age and sex.

Male:

Before puberty: 0 to 5.0 mIU/mL (0 to 5.0 IU/L)

During puberty: 0.3 to 10.0 mIU/mL (0.3 to 10.0 IU/L)

Adult: 1.5 to 12.4 mIU/mL (1.5 to 12.4 IU/L)

Female:

Before puberty: 0 to 4.0 mIU/mL (0 to 4.0 IU/L)

During puberty: 0.3 to 10.0 mIU/mL (0.3 to 10.0 IU/L)

Women who are still menstruating: 4.7 to 21.5 mIU/mL (4.5 to 21.5 IU/L)

After menopause: 25.8 to 134.8 mIU/mL (25.8 to 134.8 IU/L)


High FSH levels in women may be present:

During or after menopause, including premature menopause

When receiving hormone therapy

Due to certain types of tumor in the pituitary gland

Due to Turner syndrome


Low FSH levels in women may be present due to:

Being very underweight or having had recent rapid weight loss

Not producing eggs (not ovulating)

Parts of the brain (the pituitary gland or hypothalamus) not producing normal amounts of some or all of its hormones

Pregnancy


High FSH levels in men may mean the testicles are not functioning correctly due to:

Advancing age (male menopause)

Damage to testicles caused by alcohol overuse, chemotherapy, or radiation

Problems with genes, such as Klinefelter syndrome

Treatment with hormones

Certain tumors in the pituitary gland

Low FSH levels in men may mean parts of the brain (the pituitary gland or hypothalamus) do not produce normal amounts of some or all of its hormones.

High FSH levels in boys or girls may mean that puberty is about to start.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

FSH is a hormone that stimulates the development of the follicle (egg) in the ovaries. It is measured by taking a blood test usually on day 2 or day 3 of your menstrual cycle (day 1 is the first day of your full menstrual flow).


What do the test results mean?

FSH levels measure egg quality and ovarian reserve, or how well the ovaries are working. A normal FSH means the ovaries are working well. An elevated FSH (greater than 10) can be an early indication of decreased fertility

How to Increase FSH Levels

Prescribe hormone replacement therapy with follitropin alfa. This hormone has a similar structure to FSH but is obtained through genetical engineering. It is used as a fertility treatment for both men with a low sperm count and women with underdeveloped follicles.

Inputs Courtesy: Veteran ENT Expert with 41 years of experience preferring to remain anonymous.

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