In all women in the body, some hormones change over the entire cycle. Estrogen predominates in the first half, and progesterone in the second half. There are also hormones called follicle-stimulating and luteinizing. The first of them is responsible for the development and maturation of follicles in the ovaries. The second regulates ovulation.
FSH
Follicle-stimulating hormone is produced by the pituitary gland located in the brain. With a deviation from normal results in the female body, a hormonal imbalance begins, which has a variety of unpleasant consequences.
It is worth saying that the hormone production in women changes throughout the entire menstrual cycle. Also, its amount depends on the age of the woman. The maximum increase in follicle-stimulating hormone levels is observed during ovulation.
Production
The gonadoliberin of the hypothalamus takes full responsibility for the conversion and secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone into the blood. FSH enters the blood every two hours, while its amount at this time grows several times. The release of follicle-stimulating hormone itself lasts for 15 minutes. A woman does not feel this emission at all. Physically it is impossible to feel. Although, if desired, there is a way to track this process in a medical study.
Blood analysis
Sometimes, when a hormonal imbalance occurs or other complaints of a woman, the doctor prescribes a blood test to determine the amount of hormone production.
Before donating blood, you need to be calm, as any excitement can affect the result of the study. Immediately before blood sampling, you should not smoke and it is advisable not to eat. An analysis is given on the 5-6 day of the menstrual cycle.
Result
After the study, the amount of FSH is determined. The norm in women is from 2.45 to 9.45 IU / ml. After ovulation, this range varies significantly and ranges from 0.01 to 6.4 IU / ml. But, despite certain data, the analysis in the second phase of the cycle is unreliable.
In girls, before puberty, the amount of this hormone in the blood is also known, it ranges from 0.11 to 1.6 IU / ml.
During the period when the lady enters menopause, the amount of FSH is also known. The norm for women in this period is in the range from 19.3 to 100.6 IU / ml.
Indications
Many women are prescribed a blood test for hormones. There are several reasons for the doctor to advise you to undergo a study to determine the level of FSH:
- Hormonal diseases: endometriosis, polycystic.
- Lack of ovulation for several cycles in a row.
- Lack of menstruation, or amenorrhea.
- Frequent miscarriage or miscarriage.
- Improper puberty. His delay or premature onset.
- Observation of the body in the treatment of hormones.
When the necessary analysis is carried out, FSH (the norm in women may not be observed) can be slightly changed in one direction or another. This indicates an existing disease.
FSH is higher than normal in women
Increased levels of FSH can be caused by several reasons, among which:
- Hypogonadism. This disease can be acquired or congenital.
- A variety of ovarian tumors.
- Existing pituitary adenoma.
- Lack of one ovary or both.
- Developing seminoma.
- Decreased ovum or ovarian exhaustion.
- Menopause.
- The use of certain hormones.
FSH below normal in women
With a decrease in hormone levels, the following diseases can be suggested:
- Obesity or anorexia.
- Poisoning.
- Developing amenorrhea.
- High prolactin levels.
- Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
- Shihan or Danny Morphan Syndromes.
- Polycystic
- The use of certain hormonal drugs.
Symptoms of a possible violation of the level of follicle-stimulating hormone
Sometimes, according to the results of the FSH study, the norm in women may not be detected. Any deviations have certain signs:
- Violation of ovulation.
- Very scarce menstrual flow or bleeding.
- Long-term inability to get pregnant.
- Atrophy of the genitals or mammary glands.
If you have one or more of the above symptoms, you should consult a doctor to make the correct diagnosis.
The ratio of FSH and LH
When passing an analysis to determine the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone, it is necessary to take into account the level of LH, since these substances are complementary. It makes virtually no sense to study one hormone apart. Moreover, in different cycles, their number can vary.
Also, the representative of the weaker sex, who is worried about her health, needs to understand the meanings of such concepts as LH, FSH, "hormone", "normal". Women must have a responsibility for their own health and self-care.
Conclusion
If you have any complaints about the gynecological area or any problems with the reproductive system, be sure to contact the doctor and pass all the tests prescribed by him.
Ask your doctor about a concept such as FSH (hormone). The norm in women should always be observed. If the hormone level differs from it, then it is put in order. This is achieved by taking certain hormonal drugs.
Take care of your health. In the future, if you do not already have children, the normal balance of hormones will give you the opportunity to conceive, endure and give birth to a healthy baby.