follicle-stimulating-hormone-fsh-levels-test
Reviewed
This test measures the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in a blood sample. FSH is a chemical messenger that controls sexual development in children and fertility in adults. In women, it helps control the menstrual cycle and triggers egg growth and ovulation. In men, it helps control sperm production and health. In children, FSH levels are normally low until puberty begins. Abnormal FSH levels may indicate a problem with the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, or reproductive glands (ovaries or testicles).
Preparation and collection
Women who have menstrual periods may need to be tested at a specific time during their menstrual cycle because FSH levels change throughout the month.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- Results must be interpreted by a healthcare professional considering your sex, age, symptoms, medical history, and the results of other hormone tests, especially your level of luteinizing hormone (LH).
- At-home urine test kits can only find higher than normal FSH levels and should not be used to check whether you can become pregnant because they cannot accurately tell whether your ovaries are making eggs. If you use a home FSH test, discuss your symptoms and test results with your provider.
What to do next
If you have questions about test results, talk with your or your child's provider.
Evidence source
U.S. National Library of Medicine: follicle-stimulating-hormone-fsh-levels-test