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.

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

The FSH test measures the level of Follicle Stimulating Hormone in the blood, which is produced by the pituitary gland and plays a crucial role in reproductive functions, helping manage the menstrual cycle and stimulating ovulation in women and sperm production in men.

The FSH test detects the level of Follicle Stimulating Hormone in the blood, helping diagnose various reproductive and hormonal disorders, including infertility, menopause, and issues related to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.

FSH test reports indicate the level of FSH in the blood, which can help diagnose conditions such as menopause, infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), testicular dysfunction, and disorders of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. Abnormal levels can point to specific health issues.

If the FSH test reports show abnormal levels, it may indicate specific health issues such as menopause, infertility, or hormonal imbalances. A healthcare provider will interpret the results in the context of other symptoms and additional tests to make a definitive diagnosis.

The benefits of the FSH test include diagnosing reproductive issues such as infertility and menopause, evaluating hormonal imbalances, assessing the functioning of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, and guiding treatment for conditions related to reproductive health.

In females, FSH helps manage the menstrual cycle and stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs (ovulation), playing a crucial role in fertility and reproductive health.

While the FSH test is not solely a fertility test, it is often used as part of a comprehensive evaluation for infertility, assessing the hormonal balance necessary for ovulation in women and sperm production in men.

Symptoms of high FSH levels can vary but may include menopausal symptoms, irregular periods, or difficulty conceiving in women; low sperm count, reduced libido, or testicular dysfunction in men; and early onset of puberty in children.

A Serum FSH test and a regular FSH test essentially measure the same thing—the level of FSH in the blood. The term "serum" simply specifies that the test is conducted on the serum portion of the blood, which is the fluid part without cells.

Low FSH levels in women often indicate anovulation (not producing eggs), which can significantly reduce the chances of getting pregnant. However, it is not impossible, and other factors such as overall health and other hormonal imbalances need to be considered.

The FSH test involves drawing blood, which carries minor risks such as excessive bleeding, fainting, multiple punctures to locate veins, hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin), and a slight risk of infection.

The FSH test helps diagnose various conditions, including menopause and premature menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, testicular dysfunction, hypogonadism, and disorders of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.

Yes, certain medications can affect FSH test results, including hormonal birth control, hormone replacement therapy, and medications for treating infertility or other hormonal disorders. Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking before the test.

Fasting is not typically required before taking the FSH test. However, it is essential to follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the diagnostic center.

Factors that can affect FSH test results include age, menstrual cycle phase (in women), certain medications, pregnancy, and underlying health conditions such as ovarian or testicular disorders, pituitary gland issues, or hypothalamic dysfunction.

The turnaround time for FSH test reports can vary depending on the diagnostic center and the volume of tests being processed. Typically, results are available after 4 hours, but it is best to check with your healthcare provider or the diagnostic center for a specific timeline.