FSH is made by the pituitary gland, a small organ located in the center of the head behind the sinus cavity 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 involved in reproduction.
Disorders affecting the hypothalamus, pituitary, and/or the ovaries or testicles can cause the production of too much or too little FSH, resulting in various conditions such as infertility, abnormal menstrual cycles, or early (precocious) or delayed puberty.
Purpose of the test
The FSH test is used to evaluate fertility issues, the health of your reproductive organs (ovaries or testicles), or pituitary function. In children, it is utilized to evaluate early or delayed puberty.
What does the test measure?
The test for FSH may be used with other hormone tests such as 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 when or if a woman is entering menopause
FSH levels help determine the reason for a low sperm count in men.
In children, FSH and LH 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 normal patterns of development and true disease. Once it is established that symptoms are a result of true disease, further testing can identify the underlying cause.
When should I get this test?
For a woman, an FSH test may be ordered when she is having difficulty getting pregnant, has irregular or absent menstrual periods, or sometimes when it is suspected that she has entered menopause.
The test may be ordered when a man’s partner cannot get pregnant, when the man 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 care practitioner suspects a pituitary disorder is present. This 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
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