Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
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FSH is a gonadotropin hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that plays a central role in the reproductive system of both females and males
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🧪 What is Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)?
FSH is a gonadotropin hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that plays a central role in the reproductive system of both females and males.
- In females, FSH stimulates ovarian follicle development, estrogen production, and regulates the menstrual cycle.
- In males, FSH supports spermatogenesis by stimulating the Sertoli cells in the testes.
❓ Why is the FSH Test Done?
To:
- Assess infertility in both men and women
- Diagnose menstrual irregularities, early menopause, or delayed puberty
- Evaluate ovarian reserve and function
- Diagnose primary vs secondary gonadal failure
- Evaluate hypogonadism in men
- Monitor hormonal therapies (e.g., IVF)
📊 Normal FSH Ranges
Group | Normal FSH Range (mIU/mL) |
|---|---|
Women – Follicular phase | 3 – 10 |
Women – Ovulatory peak | 6 – 20 |
Women – Luteal phase | 1.5 – 9 |
Postmenopausal women | 30 – 130 |
Men (adults) | 1 – 12 |
Children (prepuberty) | < 3 |
🔍 Reference ranges vary by lab, and values should be interpreted with LH, estradiol, or testosterone depending on context.
📈 Interpretation of FSH Levels
FSH Level | Clinical Interpretation |
|---|---|
🔺 High FSH | - Primary ovarian failure (e.g., menopause, premature ovarian insufficiency) |
🔻 Low FSH | - Hypothalamic or pituitary dysfunction (secondary hypogonadism) |
🧠 Associated Organs and Conditions
Organ/System | Role |
|---|---|
Pituitary gland | Secretes FSH under control of GnRH from the hypothalamus |
Ovaries (females) | FSH stimulates follicle maturation and estrogen production |
Testes (males) | FSH stimulates Sertoli cells for sperm production |
Hypothalamus | Regulates FSH via GnRH secretion |
Endocrine system | Works in feedback loop with LH, estradiol, testosterone |
🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests
- LH (Luteinizing Hormone) – Always interpreted alongside FSH
- Estradiol – In females for cycle evaluation
- Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) – For ovarian reserve
- Progesterone – To assess ovulation
- Prolactin – Elevated levels suppress FSH
- Thyroid profile (TSH, FT4) – Thyroid disorders can affect FSH levels
- Testosterone – In men with infertility
- Pelvic Ultrasound / Testicular ultrasound – As needed
- Karyotyping – In suspected Turner or Klinefelter syndrome
✅ Fasting Required?
Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
Fasting Required | ❌ No fasting required for FSH testing |
🔍 FSH levels vary during the menstrual cycle; test is ideally done on day 2 or 3 of the cycle for infertility or ovarian reserve assessment.
📝 Summary
Parameter | Summary |
|---|---|
What | A pituitary hormone that regulates reproductive function in both men and women |
Why Test | To assess infertility, delayed puberty, menopause, gonadal function |
Normal Range | Women: 3–20 mIU/mL depending on cycle phase; Men: 1–12 mIU/mL |
High FSH | Suggests primary gonadal failure, menopause, or gonadal dysgenesis |
Low FSH | Suggests hypothalamic or pituitary disorder, PCOS, or stress-related suppression |
Follow-up Tests | LH, estradiol, AMH, testosterone, prolactin, TSH |
Fasting Required | ❌ No |
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