Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

This test is useful in the differential diagnosis of pituitary and gonadal insufficiency and in children with precocious puberty.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a sex hormone that helps to stimulate the production of sperm in men and eggs in women. FSH is made in the pituitary gland which is found in the brain. A disruption or abnormality in the level of FSH can point to a problem with either the reproductive organs or alternatively a problem or disturbance in the functioning of the pituitary gland, such as a pituitary adenoma. It is often used to help differentiate a cause for infertility or menstrual abnormalities. In children, FSH, in combination with LH can be used to help diagnose early or delayed puberty.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Problems falling pregnant
• Irregular or absent menstrual
• To determine menopause
• In men with a low sperm count
• Suspected pituitary adenoma or disorder

Also Known As: FSH