The Follicle Stimulating Hormone blood test measures the level of FSH in the patient’s blood. FSH is produced by the pituitary gland, which is a small gland below the brain. The Follicle Stimulating Hormone plays an important role in sexual function and development.
In female patients, the Follicle Stimulating Hormone helps to control their menstrual cycle, whilst stimulating the growth of eggs within the ovaries. The levels of FSH in women change throughout their menstrual cycle and peak just before ovulation, when the egg is released from the ovary.
In male patients, the Follicle Stimulating Hormone helps to produce sperm and their levels tend not to fluctuate.
Within children, the Follicle Stimulating Hormone levels tend to be quite low until puberty. The FSH levels then rise. In girls, the FSH levels encourage the ovaries to make oestrogen and, in boys, the FSH levels encourage the testes to produce testosterone.
In men – FSH helps to control the production of sperm. These levels tend not to change.
What can abnormal levels of FSH mean?
Abnormal levels of FSH can often result in menstrual difficulty, low sex drive, infertility and early or delayed puberty in children.
Elevated FHS levels may be seen in women:
- During menopause, or after, including perimenopause
- Due to certain tumour types in the pituitary gland
- During hormone therapy
- Due to Turner syndrome
Decreased levels of FSH in women could be seen due to:
- Significant and rapid weight loss
- Being severely underweight
- Lack of ovulation
- Pregnancy
- The pituitary gland or hypothalamus does not produce normal amounts of some hormones
Elected levels of FSH in men may mean that their testicles are not functioning correctly due to:
- Genetic problems, such as Klinefelter syndrome
- Specific types of tumours in the pituitary gland
- Male menopause (Advancing age)
- Hormonal treatment
- Testicular damage, due to radiation, chemotherapy, or alcohol abuse
Decreased levels of FSH in men, may indicate that parts of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus are not producing normal amounts of some, or all, of its hormones.
Elevated levels of FSH in children may indicate that puberty is imminent.
Why is the test conducted?
A FSH blood test for women may be recommended to diagnose or evaluate:
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
- Menopause
- Abnormal menstrual or vaginal bleeding
- Infertility
In men, medical professionals may recommend an FSH blood test to help evaluate or diagnose infertility & the lack of testicles or underdeveloped testicles.
FSH Blood Tests may be recommended in both men and women who show symptoms of a pituitary disorder, which may include the symptoms above, as well as:
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
The Follicle Stimulating Hormone Testing Process
Whilst there are no preparations necessary for FSH blood tests, if you are a woman who is of childbearing age, your medical professional may request that you get tested on certain days of your menstrual cycle.
The blood test is relatively simple, much like a usual blood test. A phlebotomist will collect a small sample of blood in a vial or test tube. The process is quick and lasts approximately 5 minutes.
Should you wish to find out more about our FSH blood tests, or any of our other blood tests, please don’t hesitate to contact us via our contact page or telephone number.
