What is a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels test?
This test measures the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the blood; FSH is produced by the pituitary gland, a small gland located under the brain; FSH plays an important role in the development and function of sexiness; FSH is a key component in the development and function of the female sex drive.
- In women, FSH helps control the menstrual cycle and initiates the rise of the egg in the ovary. FSH levels In women, FSH varies throughout the menstrual cycle, with the highest values being levels occurs just before the testicles are released from the ovaries. This is known as ovulation.
- In men, FSH helps control spermatogenesis. Normally, FSH levels FSH does not change much in males.
- In children, FSH levels FSH levels are usually low until puberty. levels It begins to rise. In girls, it helps direct the ovaries to make estrogen. In boys, it helps to teach the eggs to regulate testosterone.
Too much or too little FSH can cause a variety of problems, including infertility (inability to conceive), abnormal menstruation in women, low libido in men, and early or delayed puberty in boys.
Also known as: follitropin, FSH, follicle-stimulating hormone : serum
What is it used for?
FSH works in close contact with other hormone called luteinizing hormone To control sexual function. Luteinization hormone This test is often combined with an FSH test. These tests are used differently depending on whether you are a woman, man, or child.
These tests are most commonly used on women.
- Help us find the cause of your infertility.
- Check for problems with ovarian function.
- Explore the cause of irregular or stopped menstrual periods.
- Check for the onset of menopause or perimenopause. Perimenopause is the time in a woman’s life when her periods stop and are no longer heavy. Typically, this occurs when a woman reaches the age of 50 or older. Perimenopause is the transition period before menopause. It may take several years; FSH testing can be performed toward the end of this transitional phase.
These tests are most commonly used on men.
- Help us find the cause of your infertility.
- Find out the cause of the low sperm count.
- Check for testicular problems.
In boys, these tests are usually used to diagnose precocious puberty or delayed puberty.
- Puberty occurs early, before age 9 in girls and before age 10 in boys.
- If puberty does not begin by age 13 for girls or age 14 for boys, puberty is delayed.
Why do I need an FSH levels test?
If you are a female, you may need this test if
- You have not gained weight after 12 months of crawling.
- Your menstrual cycle is irregular.
- Your period has ended. Use this test to find out if you are in menopause or perimenopause.
If you are male, you may need this test if
- After 12 months of intercourse, your partner could not get heavier.
- Your sexuality decreases.
Testing may be necessary if both the man and the girl have signs of pituitary disorders. These include some of the signs listed above, but also include
- fatigue
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite
If your child does not appear to have puberty at the appropriate age (very early or very late), an FSH test may be necessary.
What happens during the test FSH levels test?
A health care employee takes blood from a vein in your arm with a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected in a test tube or bottle. Some pressure can be felt as the needle goes in and out. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
Need to prepare for the test?
If you are a woman who has not yet undergone menopause, your doctor may want to schedule the test at a specific time during your menstrual cycle.
Were there any risks associated with the test?
Blood tests require considerable risk. The area where the needle is inserted can be slightly sore or bruised, but most signs disappear quickly.
What do your results mean?
The meaning of your results depends on whether you are a woman, man, or child.
If you are a woman, you are highly FSH levels may mean you have:
- Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), also known as early ovarian deficiency.POI is the loss of ovarian function by age 40.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal condition that occurs in fertile women. It is one of the leading causes of infertility in women.
- initiated by menopause or peri-menopausal disorders.
- Ovarian tumors
- Turner’s syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting sexually mature women. often causes infertility.
If you are a woman. FSH levels may mean:
- Your ovaries do not produce enough eggs.
- Your pituitary gland does not function properly.
- There is a mismatch with the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls the pituitary gland and other important bodily functions.
- You have a fairly low body weight.
If you are a man, you have long FSH levels may mean:
- Your testicles are damaged by chemotherapy, radiation, infection or alcohol abuse.
- You suffer from Klinefelter’s syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects male sexual performance. It often causes infertility.
If you are a man, you have low FSH levels This may mean that you have pituitary or hypothalamic disease.
In children, high FSH levels , along with high levels of luteinizing hormone It means that puberty is about to begin or has already begun. If it happens before age 9 with girls or before age 10 (early puberty) with boys, it can be a symptom.
- Central Nervous System Disorders
- Brain trauma.
Low FSH and luteinization. hormone levels Boys can have symptoms of delayed puberty. Delayed puberty can be caused by
- Ovarian or testicular disorders.
- Turner syndrome in girls.
- Klinefelter’s syndrome in boys.
- Infection
- A hormone deficiency
- Eating behavior disorders
If you have questions about the outcome for you or your baby, talk to your own care provider.
Is there anything good I need to talk about? FSH levels test?
There is that home test FSH levels Urine Measurement. This kit is specialized for women who want to know if certain symptoms such as irregular menstruation, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, etc. are related to menopause or perimenopause. The test has an option to indicate whether you are in advanced menopause or perimenopause. FSH levels menopause or perimenopausal symptoms. However, there is no diagnosis of these disorders. You should discuss the results with your health care provider after the test.
Supplied by MedlinePlus from the State Medical Library.
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