What is FSH?
FSH is a hormone associated with reproduction – the development of eggs in women and sperm in men. This test measures blood levels of FSH.
Why Test FSH?
Testing FSH levels is important for several reasons, including diagnosing infertility in both women and their partners, addressing menstrual difficulties such as irregular or absent periods, and evaluating men with low sperm count, low muscle mass, or decreased sex drive. It also helps diagnose potential pituitary or hypothalamic disorders.
What do the results mean?
The meaning of the results varies depending on age and gender.
What causes low FSH?
FSH results are interpreted according to your gender, and age. Your FSH levels are lower than expected for a menstruating woman of your age.
If you are a woman, low FSH levels may mean that your ovaries are not making enough eggs, that your pituitary gland is not working correctly, that you have a problem with your hypothalamus, a part of the brain that controls the pituitary gland or that you are underweight. Low FSH in men may mean you have a pituitary gland or hypothalamus disorder. Low FSH and luteinizing hormone levels in children may be a sign of delayed puberty.
Symptoms of low FSH
Low FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) levels can lead to various symptoms due to its role in reproductive health. In women, low FSH can cause irregular or absent menstrual periods and difficulties with ovulation, leading to infertility. In men, low FSH can result in a low sperm count, reduced muscle mass, and decreased sex drive. Both men and women may also experience symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, such as fatigue and mood changes.
What causes high FSH?
Your FSH levels are higher than expected for a menstruating woman of your age. FSH tests are interpreted according to your gender and age.
In women, high FSH levels often correlate with low estrogen and may mean that you have primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)/premature ovarian failure. POI is the loss of ovarian function before the age of 40. It could also mean that you have polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS), a common hormonal disorder affecting childbearing women. PCOS is one of the leading causes of female infertility. Perimenopausal or menopausal women naturally have higher FSH levels. In postmenopausal women, chronically high FSH levels are associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and a reduced incidence of type 2 diabetes. Other causes include ovarian tumours, and Truner syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects sexual development in females and often causes infertility.
If you are a man, high FSH levels may mean that your testicles have been damaged due to chemotherapy, radiation, infection, alcohol abuse, or that your testosterone levels are low. High FSH can also indicate Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects sexual development and can cause infertility. In children, high FSH levels, along with high levels of luteinizing hormone, can indicate the start of puberty. Before age 9 (girls) or age 10 (boys), this may be a sign of a central nervous system disorder or a brain injury.
Symptoms of high FSH
High FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) levels can lead to various symptoms related to reproductive health. In women, high FSH can cause irregular or absent menstrual periods, hot flashes, night sweats, and infertility, often indicating conditions like ovarian insufficiency or menopause. In men, high FSH can result in a low sperm count and reduced fertility, which is often linked to testicular issues. Both men and women may experience symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as mood changes and fatigue. High FSH levels necessitate medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Preparations for this test
Follow your health practitioner’s guidance on the correct day to take this test. No other preparation is needed for this test.
If the test is taken to evaluate fertility, this test should be taken on day 3 (or at least between days 2-5). A woman’s menstrual cycle is measured from the first day of her period (blood flow, not spotting), so Cycle Day 3 is the third day of her period.
On the day of the test
Always take I.D. with you when going to take a test.