Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Ordering the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) with Access Medical Laboratories

The FSH test measures how much FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) is present in the blood.

The pituitary gland is responsible for producing FSH and releasing it into your bloodstream. This test is commonly ordered alongside other hormone testing to find the underlying cause of symptoms affecting the reproductive system.

Which Patients is the FSH Test by Access Medical Laboratories Best Used For?

Both men and women produce this hormone.

Women

In Women, FSH is responsible for managing the menstrual cycle, ovaries stimulation, and egg production. Not having enough FSH or having too much can make it harder to get pregnant. The test is used to help diagnose or evaluate:

• Menopause
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Ovarian cysts
• Abnormal vaginal or menstrual bleeding
• Infertility
  

Men

In men, FSH is a part of the development of the gonads and sperm production. The test is used to help diagnose or evaluate:

• Infertility
• Men who do not have testicles or whose testicles are underdeveloped
  

Children

In children, FSH is involved with the development of sexual features. This test is used to help diagnose or evaluate:

• Early Puberty
• Delayed Puberty
  

Common Reason's for Abnormal Lab Results in Women

High FSH levels could be caused by:

• During Perimenopause
• When receiving hormone therapy
• Tumor in the pituitary gland
• Due to Turner syndrome
  

Low FSH levels could be caused by:

• Underweight or recent rapid weight loss
• Not ovulating
• Parts of the brain (the pituitary gland or hypothalamus) not producing normal amounts of some or all of its hormones
• Pregnancy
  

Common Reason's for Abnormal Lab Results in Men

High FSH is commonly due to low-functioning testicles. Common reasons are:

• Advancing age
• Damage to testicles
• Problems with genes, such as Klinefelter syndrome
• Hormone Therapy
• Tumor in the pituitary gland

Low FSH levels can be caused by the pituitary gland or hypothalamus not producing normal amounts of its hormones.

Common Reason's for Abnormal Lab Results in Children

High FSH levels in children may mean puberty is about to start.