FSH hormone
In men and women, the pituitary gland makes hormones for the sexual organs. The pituitary hormones are LH and FSH and are also called gonadotropins.
Under the influence of these hormones, processes in the body are regulated that have to do with sexuality and reproduction.
In men
The main hormone produced in men under the influence of the gonadotropins LH and FSH is testosterone. This hormone is produced in the testes. Under the influence of testosterone, sperm cells are produced, muscles are built and secondary sexual characteristics develop. The libido (desire for sex) and getting erections are also influenced by testosterone.
The test is used for research in fertility problems, for monitoring in bodybuilders, for too early or too late development of puberty, as an aid in determining menopause and in determining certain tumors.
In men, FSH is needed for proper sperm maturation.
In women
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) is made in the pituitary gland (in the brain) and, in women, ensures the maturation of eggs by stimulating the production of estradiol. Once enough estradiol is produced, the pituitary gland sees this and FSH production decreases again. A high FSH indicates low estradiol production because no eggs are maturing (anymore).
Depending on which phase you are in, the results should be interpreted. If the result is between the values indicated in the phase in which the blood was injected, the result is good.
So women get a result that has to be related to the cycle. Men only get a reference value reported.
- follicular 3.0 - 8.1 IU/L (follicular phase, before ovulation)
- midcyclic 2.5 - 16.7 IU/L (ovulation phase)
- luteal 1.4 - 5.5 IU/L (luteal phase, after ovulation)
- post-menopausal 26.7 - 133.4 IU/L (after menopause)
