FSH

Overview:

Follicle stimulating hormone is released by the pituitary gland. In women it stimulates ovarian follicles to develop each cycle; in men it supports sperm production. Because the pituitary increases output when the ovaries or testes are not responding, a high FSH often indicates reduced function in those organs. That pattern is what makes it useful in assessing menopausal status and in fertility investigation. In women, levels change across the menstrual cycle, so samples are usually taken on a specific day, commonly day three. FSH is generally interpreted alongside LH and estradiol rather than alone.

Categories:

Hormone, Fertility & Reproductive Health

Biomarkers:

1 biomarker