Search Test

Why Get Tested?
To evaluate fertility issues, function of reproductive organs (ovaries or testicles), or pituitary function In children, to evaluate early or delayed sexual maturation (puberty)
When To Get Tested?
For women, when you are having difficulty getting pregnant or are having irregular or absence of menstrual periods For men, when your partner cannot get pregnant, or you have a low sperm count, low muscle mass or decreased sex drive When your healthcare provider thinks that you have symptoms of a pituitary disorder or hypothalamic disorder When a health practitioner suspects that a child has delayed or earlier than expected sexual maturation
Sample Type:
SERUM (SST or Plain)
Fasting :
AS PER DOCTOR
Report Delivery:
Same day (if Collected before 12 Noon)
Components:
1 Observations

Tests Detail

Observations Included

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

The Test marked with (*) are in our NABL Scope.

Sample Report

Test Name	Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Report Availability	Same day (if Collected before 12 Noon)
Code	C1098
Category	SR-Special Routine
Schedule	Daily
TAT*	0
Tested At*	NPL
Method	Chemiluminescent (CLIA)
Brief Description	as per doctor's advice

*Reporting TAT in days
for the samples recieved by 4PM

*0 = Same Day, 1 = Next Day, 2 = 2nd Day,
3 = 3rd Day So on from Schedule

*NPL : Tested @ nirAmaya Pathlabs
NRL : Tested @ NPL Outsource lab

Also Known As:
Follicle-stimulating Hormone Follitropin
Formal Name:
Follicle-stimulating Hormone, serum or urine
Sample Instructions:
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm; sometimes a random urine sample or 24-hour urine collection may be taken
Test Preparation Needed?
None, but the timing of a woman's sample will be correlated with her menstrual cycle.
What Is Being Tested?
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone associated with reproduction and the development of eggs in women and sperm in men. This test measures FSH in the blood or urine. FSH is made by the pituitary gland, a grape-sized organ located at the base of the brain. Control of FSH production is a complex system involving the hypothalamus in the brain, the pituitary gland, and the hormones produced by the ovaries or testicles. The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary to release FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH), a closely related hormone also involved in reproduction. In women, FSH stimulates the growth and maturation of eggs (follicles) in the ovaries during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is divided into the follicular and the luteal phases, with each phase lasting about 14 days. During this follicular phase, FSH initiates the production of estradiol by the follicle, and the two hormones work together in the further development of the egg follicle. Near the end of the follicular phase, there is a surge of FSH and luteinizing hormone. Release of the egg from the ovary (ovulation) occurs shortly after this surge of hormones. The hormone inhibin as well as estradiol and progesterone help control the amount of FSH released by the pituitary gland. FSH also facilitates the ability of the ovary to respond to LH. As a woman ages and menopause approaches, ovarian function wanes and eventually ceases. As this occurs, FSH and LH levels rise. In men, FSH stimulates the testicles to produce mature sperm and also promotes the production of androgen binding proteins. FSH levels are relatively constant in men after puberty. In infants and children, FSH levels rise shortly after birth and then fall to very low levels by 6 months in boys and 1-2 years in girls. Concentrations begin to rise again before the beginning of puberty and the development of secondary sexual characteris
How Is It Used?
The test for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a hormone associated with reproduction and the development of eggs in women and sperm in men, has several uses. In both women and men, the test may be used with other hormone tests such as luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, estradiol, and/or progesterone to help: Determine the cause of infertility Diagnose conditions associated with dysfunction of the ovaries or testicles Aid in the diagnosis of pituitary or hypothalamus disorders, which can affect FSH production In women, FSH levels are also useful in: The investigation of menstrual irregularities Predicting onset or confirmation of menopause In men, FSH levels are used to help determine the reason for a low sperm count. In children, FSH and LH are used to help diagnose delayed or precocious (early) puberty. Irregular timing of puberty may be an indication of a more serious problem involving the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, the ovaries or testicles, or other systems. The measurement of LH and FSH may differentiate between benign symptoms and true disease. Once it is established that symptoms are a result of true disease, further testing can be done to discern the underlying cause.
When Is It Ordered
For a woman, an FSH test may be ordered when she is having difficulty getting pregnant or has irregular or an absence of menstrual periods. FSH may be ordered when a woman's menstrual cycle has stopped or become irregular, to determine if the woman has entered menopause. For a man, the test may be ordered when his partner cannot get pregnant, when he has a low sperm count, or when he has low muscle mass or decreased sex drive, for example. In both women and men, testing may be ordered when a health practitioner suspects that a pituitary disorder is present. A pituitary disorder can affect the production of several different hormones, so there may be signs and symptoms in addition to some of those listed above. They can include fatigue, weakness, unexplained weight loss, and decreased appetite to name a few. In children, FSH and LH may be ordered when a boy or girl does not appear to be entering puberty at an appropriate age (either too late or too soon). Signs of puberty may include: Breast enlargement in girls Growth of pubic hair Growth of the testicles and penis in boys Beginning of menstruation in girls
What Does The Test Result Mean?
Results of an FSH test are typically considered with results of other hormone tests, such as LH , estrogens, and/or testosterone. As part of an infertility workup, a high or low FSH is not diagnostic but provides a piece of information on what may be the cause. For example, a hormone imbalance may affect a woman's menstrual cycle and/or ovulation. A health practitioner will consider all the information from the workup to establish a diagnosis. See the Infertility article for more on this. In Women FSH and LH levels can help to differentiate between primary ovarian failure (failure of the ovaries themselves) and secondary ovarian failure (failure of the ovaries due to disorders of either the pituitary or the hypothalamus). High levels of FSH and LH are consistent with primary ovarian failure. Some causes of primary ovarian failure are listed below. Developmental defects: Failure to develop ovaries (ovarian agenesis) Chromosomal abnormality, such as Turner syndrome Defect in the steroid production by the ovaries, such as 17 alpha hydroxylase deficiency Premature failure of the ovaries due to: Radiation exposure Chemotherapy Autoimmune disease Chronic failure to ovulate (anovulation) due to: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Adrenal disease Thyroid disease Ovarian tumor When a woman enters menopause and her ovaries stop working, FSH levels will rise. Low levels of FSH and LH are consistent with secondary ovarian failure due to a pituitary disorder or hypothalamic problem. Low FSH serum levels have been associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer. In Men High FSH levels are due to primary testicular failure. This can be the result of developmental defects in testicular growth or to testicular injury, as indicated below. Developmental defects: Failure to develop gonads (gonadal agenesis) Chromosomal abnormality, such as Klinefelter syndrome Testicular failure: Viral infection (mumps) Trauma
Is There Anything Else I Should Known?
FSH results can be increased with use of certain drugs, including cimetidine, clomiphene, digitalis, and levodopa. FSH results can be decreased with oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, and hormone treatments. FSH will also be low when women are pregnant. A recent nuclear medicine scan may interfere with results of the FSH test if it is measured by a radioimmunoassay, which is seldom used any more.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

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