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FSH, LH & Prolactin
Reproductive
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No Fasting Required
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Measures prolactin hormone to evaluate pituitary tumors, infertility, or galactorrhea.
₹449₹1,500
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FSH, LH & Prolactin Test Information Guide
- Why is it done?
- Measures three key reproductive hormones produced by the pituitary gland: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Prolactin
- Evaluates infertility and reproductive disorders in both men and women
- Assesses menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, or abnormal bleeding patterns
- Investigates erectile dysfunction, low libido, or decreased sperm production in men
- Diagnoses pituitary gland disorders and hormonal imbalances
- Evaluates inappropriate lactation, breast discharge, or suspected prolactinoma
- Monitors hormone levels during fertility treatment or assisted reproductive procedures
- Typically performed during early follicular phase (days 2-5) of menstrual cycle in women for standardized results
- Normal Range
- FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): mIU/mL • Women (follicular phase): 3.5-12.5 mIU/mL • Women (ovulation phase): 4.7-21.5 mIU/mL • Women (luteal phase): 1.7-7.7 mIU/mL • Postmenopausal women: 25.8-134.8 mIU/mL • Men: 1.6-8.0 mIU/mL
- LH (Luteinizing Hormone): mIU/mL • Women (follicular phase): 1.7-8.6 mIU/mL • Women (ovulation phase): 8.6-86.5 mIU/mL • Women (luteal phase): 0.6-16.3 mIU/mL • Postmenopausal women: 7.7-58.5 mIU/mL • Men: 1.0-8.3 mIU/mL
- Prolactin: ng/mL • Non-pregnant women: 2.5-29.0 ng/mL • Pregnant women: 10.0-209.0 ng/mL • Men: 3.0-13.0 ng/mL
- Reference ranges may vary between laboratories; always refer to your laboratory's specific reference values
- Normal results indicate adequate pituitary function and balanced reproductive hormone levels
- Low values suggest insufficient hormone production; high values indicate excessive production or pituitary dysfunction
- FSH and LH ratios and relationships are clinically significant; abnormal patterns may indicate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other reproductive disorders
- Interpretation
- Elevated FSH: May indicate ovarian failure, premature ovarian insufficiency, menopause, gonadal dysfunction in men, or poor egg quality in women
- Low FSH: Suggests hypogonadism, pituitary insufficiency, hypothalamic disorders, or excessive testosterone suppression
- Elevated LH: May indicate PCOS (often with elevated LH:FSH ratio), ovarian failure, gonadal dysfunction, or absence of ovulation
- Low LH: Suggests hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction, or hyperprolactinemia
- Elevated Prolactin: May indicate prolactinoma (pituitary adenoma), pituitary stalk compression, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, or medication side effects; causes anovulation and infertility
- Low Prolactin: Rare; may suggest pituitary insufficiency or dopamine agonist medication use
- FSH:LH Ratio: Normal ratio in women is approximately 1-3; elevated ratio (>3:1) may indicate PCOS
- Factors affecting results: stress, obesity, exercise, medications (dopamine antagonists, anti-seizure drugs, opioids), thyroid disorders, sleep patterns, and time of day (hormones show circadian rhythm)
- Multiple blood draws may be necessary to establish accurate patterns, particularly in women with menstrual cycle variations
- Associated Organs
- Primary Organs:
- Anterior pituitary gland (produces FSH, LH, and prolactin)
- Hypothalamus (regulates pituitary hormone release via GnRH and dopamine)
- Ovaries (in women - respond to FSH and LH)
- Testes (in men - respond to FSH and LH)
- Breast tissue (target for prolactin action)
- Associated Conditions with Abnormal Results:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Prolactinoma (prolactin-secreting pituitary tumor)
- Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and early menopause
- Hypogonadism (primary and secondary)
- Pituitary insufficiency and hypopituitarism
- Amenorrhea (primary and secondary)
- Infertility and reduced fertility
- Hypothyroidism (can elevate prolactin)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Anovulation and irregular ovulation
- Erectile dysfunction and reduced libido in men
- Potential Complications of Abnormal Levels:
- Infertility and reduced pregnancy chances
- Galactorrhea (inappropriate breast discharge) from elevated prolactin
- Decreased bone density and increased osteoporosis risk from hypogonadism
- Pituitary tumor expansion (if prolactinoma) leading to visual disturbances or headaches
- Delayed or absent puberty in adolescents
- Vaginal dryness and reduced sexual function
- Primary Organs:
- Follow-up Tests
- Additional Tests Based on Abnormal Results:
- Estradiol and progesterone levels - assess ovarian function and menstrual cycle status
- Testosterone and DHEA-S - evaluate androgen excess, particularly in PCOS
- TSH and free T4 - screen for thyroid disorder that may cause abnormal hormone levels
- Pituitary MRI - if elevated or significantly abnormal prolactin to exclude prolactinoma
- Pelvic ultrasound - assess ovarian morphology, particularly for PCOS diagnosis
- Semen analysis - evaluate male reproductive potential if low FSH/LH in men
- 17-hydroxyprogesterone - screen for congenital adrenal hyperplasia if virilization present
- Insulin and glucose levels - if PCOS suspected to assess insulin resistance
- Cortisol and ACTH - evaluate for pituitary or adrenal disorders
- Renal function tests - if concerned about kidney disease affecting prolactin
- Monitoring Recommendations:
- Fertility treatment: repeat testing at regular intervals during cycle monitoring (typically every 2-3 days)
- Prolactinoma treatment: monitor prolactin levels every 3-6 months during dopamine agonist therapy
- PCOS management: periodic reassessment as hormonal patterns may change with weight loss or treatment
- Hypogonadism treatment: monitor testosterone replacement therapy effects with periodic FSH/LH measurement
- Hormone replacement therapy: baseline and follow-up testing to assess adequacy of dosing
- Additional Tests Based on Abnormal Results:
- Fasting Required?
- Fasting Status: No - fasting is NOT required for FSH, LH, and prolactin testing
- Patient Preparation:
- Blood draw should ideally be performed in the morning (8-10 AM) before 10 AM when hormone levels are more stable
- Patient should rest for 15-30 minutes before blood draw to reduce stress-related hormone fluctuations
- For women, specify cycle day (days 2-5 of menstrual cycle preferred for baseline assessment) to laboratory
- Avoid strenuous exercise or stress for 24 hours before test as these can elevate FSH, LH, and prolactin
- Avoid breast stimulation or suckling 24 hours before test as this increases prolactin levels
- Adequate sleep the night before is recommended to prevent stress-related hormonal elevation
- Continue regular diet and hydration unless otherwise instructed
- Medications to Review:
- Dopamine agonists (bromocriptine, cabergoline) and dopamine antagonists (metoclopramide, antipsychotics) significantly affect prolactin; report to healthcare provider
- Hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy affect FSH and LH levels; may need to discontinue 1-3 months before testing
- Opioids and anti-seizure medications can alter hormone levels
- Antidepressants and anxiolytics may influence prolactin and other hormone levels
- Do NOT stop medications without consulting healthcare provider; discuss which medications to continue or hold
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