What is an FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) level test?
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.
FSH regulates the menstrual cycle and increases egg development in the ovaries of women. FSH levels in women fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, with the greatest levels occurring right before the ovary releases an egg. This is referred to as ovulation.
FSH aids in the regulation of sperm production in males. FSH levels in males do not fluctuate significantly.
FSH levels in children are typically low until puberty when they start growing. It aids in signaling the ovaries to produce estrogen in females. It helps in stimulating the testes to produce testosterone in males.
Infertility (the inability to become pregnant), menstruation issues in women, low sex desire in males, and early or delayed puberty in youngsters can all be caused by more or less FSH.
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:
- Assist in determining the cause of infertility.
- Determine whether there is an issue with ovarian function.
- Determine the cause of irregular or discontinued menstrual cycles.
- Confirm the onset of menopause, also known as perimenopause.
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?
Womens 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.
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 droppe
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 tiny needle will be used by a healthcare expert to draw blood from a vein in your arm. Following the insertion of the needle, a little quantity of blood will be collected in a test tube or vial. You might feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This normally takes 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:
Low levels of FSH and luteinizing hormone in children may indicate delayed puberty. Delayed puberty can result from the following:
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?
FSH levels in urine may be measured at home using an at-home test. The kit is intended for women who wish to know if symptoms, including irregular periods, vaginal dryness, and hot flashes, are caused by menopause or perimenopause. The test can determine whether you have high FSH levels, which might indicate menopause or perimenopause. However, it does not diagnose any ailment. After taking the exam, you should discuss the results with your doctor.
**Note- FSH - Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Test costs in India at different locations may vary
Book a FSH - Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Test at Medicover Hospitals. Call us at 040-68334455
