In the reproductive function of men and women, follicle-stimulating hormone plays an essential role. Its deviation from the norm may indicate serious violations in the body. The level of this hormone must be checked during an examination for infertility.
FSH is produced by the pituitary gland and regulates the functioning of the gonads. It affects the maturation and formation of sperm and ova, as well as the synthesis of estrogen. In men, follicle-stimulating hormone promotes the growth of the vas deferens and the increase in testosterone in the blood, providing libido.
FSH in women affects the formation of the follicle. Its maximum level leads to ovulation. So, follicle-stimulating hormone norm in honey / l:
- men - 1.38-13.59;
- follicular phase - 2.46-9.48;
- ovulation - 2.68-15.68;
- luteal phase - 1.02-6.41;
- postmenopause - 9.31-100.61.
The analysis is given strictly on an empty stomach in the morning. Within 3 days before this, active training should be excluded. Men can take it at any time, and women - in the period prescribed by the doctor. Usually in the follicular phase it is 4-6, and in the luteal phase it is 19-21 days of the cycle with its standard duration.
Do not smoke one hour before the test. Also, on the eve and on the day of analysis, stress must be eliminated. During acute diseases, research can not be done.
Blood is taken from a vein, the term is several days. The above standards are indicative, usually each laboratory must indicate its own in the result form, since they depend on the test system used.
So, follicle-stimulating hormone is increased in the following cases:
- renal failure;
- pituitary tumor (basophilic adenoma);
- uterine bleeding due to persistence of the follicle ;
- menopause;
- orchitis;
- alcoholism;
- decreased genital gland function;
- taking certain drugs;
- x-ray radiation;
- ectopic secretion;
- chemotherapy;
- ovarian cysts (endometriosis);
- castration;
- testicular feminization;
- Shershevsky-Turner and Klinefelter syndromes.
Low FSH levels are observed with:
- obesity;
- PCOS;
- hypothalamic amenorrhea;
- hypofunction of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland;
- taking certain drugs;
- surgical interventions;
- fasting;
- hyperprolactinemia;
- Danny-Morphan syndrome;
- Simmonds disease;
- pregnancy
- sheehan syndrome ;
- pituitary dwarfism;
- hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
A follicle-stimulating hormone test is prescribed in the following situations:
- decreased potency and libido;
- hormone therapy control;
- chronic genital inflammation;
- endometriosis;
- growth retardation;
- PCOS (polycystic ovary);
- violation of sexual development (its prematurity or delay);
- miscarriage of pregnancy;
- uterine bleeding;
- amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea (rare menstruation or lack thereof);
- anovulation;
- infertility.
FSH is released into the blood pulse every 1-4 hours. Emissions last about 15 minutes. At this time, the concentration of the hormone is 2 times higher than the average value. Dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis is reflected in inadequate FSH production. It is also very important its ratio with luteinizing hormone, which 2 years after the first menstruation should be 1.5-2, and before it equal to 1.
Due to the pulsating nature of the release of LH and FSH, if a reduced amount is suspected, it is recommended to take blood three times at half-hour intervals. If we are talking about an elevated level, then one test is adequate.
FSH in injections is prescribed for the treatment of infertility, which is caused by a decrease in sperm formation, amenorrhea, and insufficient ovulation. However, its stimulation with the help of this hormone can cause multiple pregnancy.
So, follicle-stimulating hormone significantly affects the reproductive function of both women and men. His deviation from the norm can speak of many diseases. The concentration of the hormone depends on gender, age and phase of the cycle.