A follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) test measures the follicle-stimulating hormone level in the blood. The body produces FSH in the pituitary gland – the small gland underneath the brain. This hormone plays a vital role in sexual function and development.
Its function varies in different groups.
In women, FSH helps control the menstrual cycle and stimulates egg growth in the ovaries. The level of FSH continuously changes during the menstrual cycle and peaks just before the ovary releases an egg – ovulation
In men, FSH controls sperm production. Its levels in men don’t change much
In children, FSH levels remain low until puberty, then gradually rise. In girls, a rise in FSH signals the ovaries to produce oestrogen; in boys, it signals testosterone production in the testes.
Excess or insufficient levels of FSH can cause a wide range of problems, including infertility (inability to conceive), low sex drive in men, delayed or early puberty in children, and menstrual difficulty in women.
What is the FSH test for?
FSH and luteinising hormone work together to control sexual functions. Most times, doctors order luteinising hormone tests and FSH tests. These tests have different uses, depending on if you are a man, woman or child.
For women, FSH and luteinising hormone tests help:
Find the cause of infertility
Confirm the onset of perimenopause or menopause – menopause is when a woman’s menstrual periods have stopped, and she can no longer get pregnant. Menopause usually starts at age 50. Perimenopause is the transition period before menopause, and it can last for several years. Your doctor may recommend the FSH test towards the end of the transition period.
Check if there is an issue with ovarian function
Determine the cause of stopped or irregular periods
For men, these tests help:
Find the cause of infertility
Check is the testicles have a problem
Determine the cause of low sperm count
For children, these tests are usually for diagnosing the reason for delayed or early puberty.
Puberty is early if it starts before age 10 in boys and age 9 in girls
Puberty is delayed if it has not started by age 14 in boys and 13 in girls
Why get the FSH level test?
Women need FSH test in the following cases
The inability to conceive after 12 months of trying
Periods stopped – to find out if you are in perimenopause or menopause
Irregular menstrual cycle
Men need the FSH test in the following cases
Decreased sex drive
Inability to get your partner pregnant after 12 months of trying
Women and men need an FSH test if symptoms of a pituitary disorder occur. These symptoms include:
Weight loss
Weakness
Fatigue
Decreased appetite
What happens during an FSH test?
The healthcare provider will draw a blood sample from the vein in your arm with a small needle. After the provider inserts the needle, your provider will collect a small amount of blood into a test vial or tube. Inserting the needle may cause a slight sting, and the procedure takes less than five minutes.
Do I need to prepare for the test?
For women who haven’t gone through menopause, the healthcare provider may schedule the test at a specific time of their menstrual cycle.
Does the test have any risks?
Like other blood tests, the FSH test has very little risk. Slight bruising or pain may occur at the spot the provider inserted the need, but these symptoms clear quickly.
What does the test result mean?
The test result’s interpretation will depend on whether you are a child, woman or man.
For women, high FSH levels may indicate:
An ovarian tumour
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is also called premature ovarian failure. POI causes the loss of ovarian function in women below 40 years
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) –is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of childbearing age. It is among the leading causes of female infertility.
Turner syndrome – a genetic disorder affecting sexual development in women, and it also causes infertility
Start of menopause or perimenopause
For women, low FSH levels may mean:
Underweight
The pituitary glands aren’t working correctly
The ovaries aren’t making enough eggs
A problem with the hypothalamus – the part of the brain that controls several body functions and the pituitary gland
For men, high FSH levels may result from the following:
Damage to the testicles from infection, alcohol abuse, radiation and chemotherapy
Klinefelter syndrome – a genetic disorder affecting male sexual development. It usually causes infertility
In men, low FSH levels may result from a hypothalamus or pituitary gland disorder.
In children, high FSH and luteinising hormones indicate the onset of puberty. If this occurs before a girl is nine years or before a boy is ten years (precocious puberty), it may mean the following.
A brain injury
Central nervous system disorder
Low FSH and luteinising hormone levels in children may indicate delayed puberty resulting from:
An infection
Turner syndrome in girls
Ovarian or testicular disorder
An eating disorder
A hormone deficiency
Klinefelter syndrome in boys
Other facts about the FSH test
An at-home test for FSH levels that uses urine is available. This kit is useful for women who want to know if their symptoms, such as irregular periods, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness, are due to perimenopause or menopause. The test can show high levels of FSH, but it doesn’t ensure a diagnosis. Ensure you speak with your health care professional about the result of your test.
You can get a blood FSH test at Private Blood Tests London. Our healthcare professional can perform this test alongside the luteinising hormone test for a better diagnosis. Call us on 02071830244 for more information on the FSH level test.
Please call 020 71830244 to book this test or fill in the form and one of our team members arrange this test for you.
Online booking is not available for this blood test, you need to call 020 71830244 also not available on Saturday and Sunday. ONLY during the week.
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