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Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a glycoprotein gonadotropin that is produced in the pituitary gland in reaction to the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secreted by the hypothalamus. FSH is made up of alpha and beta subunits, the beta subunits deliberate specific biological activities, which bind to testis and ovary receptors. FSH aids in controlling the menstrual cycle as well as the production of eggs in women. FSH hormone levels are at their highest right before ovulation. FSH controls the creation of sperm in men and their hormone levels usually remain constant.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Testing
It is common for the FSH and other hormone levels of both men and women to be measured when infertility is suspected. The FSH levels are determined through a blood test, appropriately names the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) test, which can verify whether the testicles or ovaries are functioning properly. Specifically, FSH testing can calculate the sperm count of a man and the ovarian reserve of a woman. A FSH test can be beneficial in evaluating various menstrual problems, like irregular or absent menstrual periods as well as diagnosing pituitary glad disorders like tumors. FSH testing can be used to diagnose menopause in women as well as the premature onset of puberty in children. It can also help in evaluating the condition of delayed puberty.
There are a lot of medications, like digitalis, cimetidine, levodopa, and clomiphene, which can interfere with the results of a FSH test. You may be required to quit taking all medications containing estrogen or progesterone (including birth control pills) for up to four weeks prior to the administration of a FSH test. Be sure to alert your health care provider of all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter, prescription, herbal, and natural substances. The radioactive tracers that are used in some tests, like thyroid or bone scans, can also interfere with the results of FSH testing so it is important to let you doctor know if you have had any tests using a tracer within the past seven days.
Potential Test Results
When the FSH values of a woman are high, ovarian failure, menopause, or polycystic ovary syndrome are possible. High FSH values for a man could signify klinefelter syndrome or problems with the testicles including absence of, damage to, or improper functioning. Low FSH values could imply that there in no production of eggs or sperm, improper functioning of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, stress, or starvation. The correlations between FSH and other hormone levels can indicate specific diseases or disorders. Women with ovarian failure will show elevated hormone levels of FSH and LH, whereas high levels of FSH and normal levels of LH may indicate gonadotroph adenomas. Additional testing, including morning serum cortisol, TSH, and ACTH evaluations may be performed in the presence of normal karotype, to confirm the existence of autoimmune disease.
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