What is Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test level?
The FSH test determines the concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the blood. The pituitary gland, a tiny gland lying under the brain, produces FSH. FSH is essential for sexual growth and function.
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Get A Second Opinion- In women, FSH plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle, promoting the development of eggs in the ovaries, and reaching its peak just before ovulation, which triggers the release of an egg.
- In men, FSH is responsible for regulating sperm production, and its levels generally remain stable.
- In children, FSH levels are typically low until puberty, where it signals the ovaries to produce estrogen in females and stimulates the testes to produce testosterone in males.
- Abnormal FSH levels can lead to various issues. In women, it can cause infertility and menstrual problems.
- Men may experience a decrease in sex drive due to low FSH levels.
- In children, abnormal FSH levels can result in early or delayed puberty.
Other names: Follitropin, FSH, and follicle-stimulating hormone: serum; are some of the other names for this hormone.
What is the use of the FSH test?
To manage sexual functioning, FSH collaborates with another hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH). As a result, a luteinizing hormone test is frequently performed in conjunction with an FSH test.
These tests are administered differently depending on whether you are a woman, a man, or a kid.
These tests are most commonly used in women to:
These tests are most commonly used in men to:
- Assist in determining the reason for infertility.
- Determine the cause of a low sperm count.
- Determine whether there is an issue with the testicles.
These tests are most commonly used in children to help detect early or delayed puberty.
- Puberty is considered early if it begins before the age of nine in females and before the age of ten in boys.
- Puberty is considered delayed if it has not begun by the age of 13 in girls and 14 in boys.
What is the need of an FSH-level test?
In WOMEN
Women may require this test if they have the following:
- After a year of trying, you've been unable to conceive.
- Your menstrual cycle is disturbed.
- Your menstrual cycle has come to an end. The test can determine if you have gone through menopause or are in perimenopause.
In MEN
Men may require this test if they have the following:
- After a year of trying, you and your partner cannot conceive.
- Your sexual desire has dropped.
When to get the FSH test done?
If you have signs of a pituitary issue, both men and women should be tested. Some of them include the symptoms described above, as well as:
If your child does not appear to be entering the puberty stage at the appropriate age, an FSH test may be required (either too early or too late).
What takes place during an FSH-level test?
During an FSH test, a medical practitioner will utilize a minuscule needle to extract blood from a vein in your arm.
- Following the insertion of the needle, a small quantity of blood will be gathered in a test tube or vial.
- It is possible to experience a mild sensation when the needle is inserted or withdrawn.
- On average, the procedure usually lasts approximately five minutes.
How to prepare for the FSH test?
If you are a woman who has not yet reached menopause, your provider may prefer to schedule your test during your menstrual cycle.
Is there any risk in the FSH test?
Having a blood test poses relatively no risk or danger. You may experience discomfort or bruising where the needle was inserted, but most symptoms will go away soon.
What do the findings imply?
The significance of your results will differ depending on whether you are a woman, a man, or a kid.
Women
High FSH levels in women may indicate the following:
- POI is an abbreviation for primary ovarian insufficiency, often known as premature ovarian failure. POI is defined as ovarian function loss before the age of 40.
- PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is a prevalent hormonal condition that affects childbearing women. It is a leading cause of female infertility.
- Menopause or perimenopause
- Receiving hormone therapy
- Ovarian cancer
- Turner syndrome is a hereditary condition that impairs female sexual development. It frequently results in infertility.
Low FSH levels in women may indicate:
- Your ovaries are producing insufficient eggs.
- Your pituitary gland is malfunctioning.
- You have an issue with your hypothalamus, which is a region of the brain that regulates the pituitary gland and other vital bodily processes.
- You are underweight.
Men
High FSH levels in men may indicate:
- Chemotherapy, radiation, infection, or alcohol misuse have all destroyed your testicles.
- Damage to testicles due to chemotherapy, radiation, alcohol abuse, and hormonal treatment.
- You have Klinefelter syndrome, a hereditary condition that impairs male sexual development. It frequently results in infertility.
Low FSH levels may indicate a pituitary or hypothalamic issue in men.
High FSH levels in youngsters and high luteinizing hormone levels may indicate that puberty is about to begin or has already begun. If this occurs before the age of 8 in a girl or before the age of 9 in a male (precocious puberty), it might be an indication of:
- A central nervous system disorder
- A traumatic brain injury
Low levels of FSH and luteinizing hormone in children may indicate delayed puberty. Delayed puberty can result from the following:
- A problem with the ovaries or testicles.
- Turner syndrome in women.
- Boys with Klinefelter syndrome.
- An infection.
- A hormonal imbalance.
- Eating disorders.
Speak with your healthcare practitioner if you have any questions regarding your or your child's results.
Important information to know about FSH level testing?
The FSH test kit enables individuals to measure FSH levels in their urine from the comfort of their own homes.
This kit is specifically designed for women who are experiencing symptoms like irregular periods, vaginal dryness, and hot flashes.
By using this kit, individuals can determine whether these symptoms are a result of menopause or perimenopause.
If the test detects high FSH levels, it may indicate the onset of menopause or perimenopause. However, it is important to note that this test does not provide a definitive diagnosis for any specific ailment.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to consult with a doctor and discuss the test results in order to gain a better understanding of one's health condition.
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
The Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Blood Test assesses FSH levels in order to detect problems with fertility, reproductive organs, or pituitary function.
In cases when a boy or girl enters puberty earlier or later than normal, a doctor prescribes an FSH test. High levels are linked to premature (early) puberty, while low levels may suggest a delay in sexual development.
The timing of FSH tests is important. The typical range fluctuates by day because FSH levels vary during the menstrual cycle. The blood test is required on day 3 of your menstrual cycle for basic fertility testing and ovarian reserve evaluation (day 1 is the day your period begins).
During puberty, the normal level is 0.3 to 10.0 mIU/mL (0.3 to 10.0 IU/L), and during adulthood, the normal range is 1.5 to 12.4 mIU/mL (1.5 to 12.4 IU/L)
A high FSH level indicates that your chances of becoming conceiving are lower than expected for your age. This causes more trouble and requires infertility therapy.
No, fasting is not essential for this test.
No, the FSH test is not painful; only little discomfort or sting may be felt when the needle goes inside.
Normal FSH level in children are:
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)
The cost of the FSH test is approximately Rs. 600 to 700. However the cost price may differ from place to place.
You can get your FSH levels tested at Medicover Hospitals.
