FSH, known as follicle-stimulating hormone, is produced by the pituitary gland and has the function of regulating sperm production and egg maturation during childbearing age. In this way, FSH is a hormone linked to fertility and its concentration in the blood helps to identify whether the testicles and ovaries are functioning properly.
The reference values of the FSH test vary according to the person's age and gender and, in the case of women, with the phase of the menstrual cycle, and can also be useful to confirm menopause.
What is the FSH exam for
This test is usually requested to assess whether the couple has their fertility preserved, if they are having difficulty getting pregnant, but it can also be ordered by the gynecologist or endocrinologist to assess:
- The causes of missed menstruation or irregular menstruation; Early or delayed puberty; Sexual impotence in men; If the woman has already entered menopause; Whether the testicles or ovaries are functioning properly; Low sperm count in men; If the woman is producing eggs properly; the function of the pituitary gland and the presence of tumor, for example.
Some situations that can alter the result of the FSH test are the use of birth control pills, tests with radioactive contrast, such as those made for thyroid, as well as the use of drugs such as Cimetidine, Clomiphene and Levodopa, for example. The doctor may recommend that the woman stop taking the contraceptive pill 4 weeks before performing this test.
FSH reference values
FSH values vary according to age and gender. In babies and children, FSH is not detectable or is detectable in small concentrations, with normal production beginning at puberty.
The FSH reference values may vary according to the laboratory, and therefore, the values that each laboratory uses as a reference must be observed. However, here is an example:
Children: up to 2.5 mUI / ml
Adult male : 1.4 - 13.8 mUI / mL
Grown woman:
- In the follicular phase: 3.4 - 21.6 mIU / mLIn the ovulatory phase: 5.0 - 20.8 mIU / mlIn the luteal phase: 1.1 - 14.0 mIU / mlMenopause: 23.0 - 150.5 mIU / ml
Normally, FSH is not requested in pregnancy, as the values are greatly changed during this period due to hormonal changes. Learn how to identify the phases of the menstrual cycle.
Possible FSH changes
According to the result of the exam, the doctor indicates what is causing the increase or decrease of this hormone, taking into account age, and whether it is male or female, but the most common causes of this type of alteration are:
FSH Alto
- In Women: Loss of ovarian function before the age of 40, postmenopausal, Klinefelter syndrome, use of progesterone drugs, estrogen. In men: Loss of testicular function, castration, increased testosterone, Klinefelter syndrome, use of testosterone drugs, chemotherapy, alcoholism.
FSH Low
- In women: The ovaries are not producing eggs properly, pregnancy, anorexia nervosa, use of corticosteroids or the birth control pill. In men: Little sperm production, decreased function of the pituitary or hypothalamus, stress or low weight.
