Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test - Serum

FSH Test Overview

FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. It mainly helps in the development of the sexual organs and sexual functioning. FSH is present both in men and women. In women it controls the menstrual cycle and stimulates the production of eggs (ovulation). In men it stimulates the production of sperm. It is present in low levels in children until puberty, post which the FSH levels increase to stimulate the production of oestrogen and testosterone.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone, i.e., FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. This hormone plays a role in the maturation of the sexual organs in adults during puberty. It also maintains the proper functioning of the sexual organs. This hormone is present in both men as well as women and has varied functions.

In women, it helps in the regulation of the menstrual cycle. It also manages the production of eggs known as ovulation. Whereas in men, it helps in the production of sperm in the testes.

The amount of FSH increases during puberty and helps in the secretion of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone in adolescents. Low production levels of FSH may delay puberty while extremely high production levels may lead to an early onset of puberty in children.

The Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) test measures the levels of FSH in the blood. FSH is connected to reproductive functions. In women, FSH plays a role in the ovulation process. In men, FSH plays a role in sperm production in the testes. This test is recommended mainly if one is facing a problem in conceiving, irregular periods, low libido as well as early or late puberty in children.

Low FSH levels may indicate anovulation in women and Klinefelter's syndrome in men. High FSH levels may be due to PCOS/PCOD in women and a low sperm count in men. Hence, it is important to regularly check the levels of this hormone in the body.