Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test - Serum

FSH test is done for different purpose in men and women. In women, the reason depends on at what age and stage it is done. It may be done to diagnose menstrual irregularities and dysfunctions. In women having difficulties conceiving, it is done to diagnose the cause for infertility. It is also done to confirm  the onset of menopause or in the perimenopausal period. It is done in males to diagnose reasons for infertility, low sperm count or testicular issues. In children it may be done to diagnose early or delayed puberty based on the levels. 

The FSH ECLIA Serum test is done for the following reasons:

• Infertility issues in women.
• Examine the functioning of the testes or ovaries.
• Irregular menstrual periods in women/PCOS/PCOD.
• Diagnosis of pituitary gland issues.
• Ovarian issues.
• Diagnosis of early or late puberty in children.
• Diagnosis of low sperm count in men.
• Evaluation of hypogonadism in men.
• Evaluation of dysfunction in testes in men.

The FSH ECLIA Serum test is best recommended for the following people:

• Men or women having problems conceiving.
• Women having irregular periods/PCOD/PCOS.
• Men or women with low libido.
• Men with low sperm count.
• Women whose ovulation is absent.
• Children with early puberty.
• Children with late puberty.

FSH test measures the level of follicle stimulating hormone in the blood. 

During FSH test blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a  little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

High FSH levels in women may mean primary ovarian insufficiency or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Turners syndrome, ovarian malignancies, or early onset of menopause. These may cause infertility issues. In men, high FSH may indicate testicular issues, Klinefelter syndrome or low sperm count. All these may indicate infertility in men. In children, high levels before puberty, signify early onset puberty. Low levels may lead to lack of ovulation and sperm production leading to infertility issues in both men and women. Low levels may be due to problems in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, being underweight or other central nervous system issues. In children, low FSH levels may signify delayed puberty. It may be due to Turner's syndrome in females , Klinefelter's syndrome in males or some other infections causing sexual issues.

High levels of FSH in women can indicate:

• • Primary ovarian insufficiency.
  • PCOS/PCOD.
  • Turner's syndrome.
  • Abnormalities in ovaries.
  • Early onset of menopause.

High levels of FSH in men can indicate:

• • Issues in testes.
  • Klinefelter syndrome.
  • Low sperm count.

In children, high FSH may be a sign of the early onset of puberty.

Low levels of FSH in women may cause a lack of ovulation. Whereas in men low levels of FSH indicate reduced sperm production. In children, low FSH may lead to delayed onset of puberty.

No special preparations like fasting are required for this test. However, inform your doctor of any medications you are taking. For women, the FSH test is best done on the 2nd or 3rd day of the menstrual cycle.

Although the normal levels of the FSH ECLIA Serum test vary from person to person or lab to lab, the typical healthy range is between 4.7 and 21.5 mIU/mL.

Some of the tests that are ordered along with the FSH ECLIA Serum are as follows:

• Luteinising Hormone test.
• Prolactin test.
• Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test.
• Estradiol test.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) test.
• Thyroid profile Total test.
• Vitamin D (25-OH) test.
• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone test.
• Testosterone Total test.
• Glucose - Fasting test.

References:

1. https://www.1mg.com/labs/test/follicle-stimulating-hormone-1792
2. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/follicle-stimulating-hormone-fsh-levels-test/

• FSH Serum test
• FSH assay test
• Fertility Profile
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone