Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A protein hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. FSH causes growth of follicles in the ovaries and sperm maturation in Sertoli cells of testes.

Evaluation of FSH supports other studies related to determining causes of hypothyroidism in women and endocrine dysfunction in men. In primary ovarian failure or testicular failure, FSH levels are increased.

Why is it done?

o   To help in finding the cause of infertility

o   Menstrual problem evaluation

o   To help diagnosing pituitary gland disorder

o   To determine if the child is going through an early or a delayed puberty

Precautions

o   Recently administered radioisotopes may interfere with the results

o   Hemolysis of blood sample is not acceptable

o   Estrogen or oral contraceptives should not be taken before the test

o   Several drugs affect the outcome

o   Sometimes multiple blood specimens are necessary because of episodic releases of FSH from the pituitary gland. An isolated sample may not indicate the actual activity; therefore, pooled blood specimens or multiple single blood specimens may be required.

Normal Values

          Male                                 1.24 – 7.8 mlU/L

          Female

                   Postmenopausal       14.2 – 52.3 mlU/L

                   Luteal                    0.61 – 16.3 mlU/L

                   Follicular                1.68 – 15 mlU/L

                   Ovulatory Peak                  21.9 – 15 mlU/L

Clinical Significance

Decreased FSH level

o   Anorexia

o   Hemochromatosis

o   Polycystic ovarian disease

o   Neoplasm of testes or adrenal glands

o   Sheehan’s syndrome

Increased FSH level

o   Turner’s syndrome

o   Alcoholism

o   Menopause or menstrual disorder

o   Castration

o   Klinefelter’s syndrome

o   Precocious puberty

o   Hypopituitarism

 

         

References

-          Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods,21^st edition; edited by Richard A. McPherson and Matthew R. Pincus

-          Clinical Chemistry: Principles, Procedures, Correlations, 5^th edition

-          Text Book of Medical Physiology, 11^th edition; Guyton & Hall

-          http://women.webmd.com/follicle-stimulating-hormone