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Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
is a gonadotropin, a hormone that stimulate the ovaries in females and testes in males. The level is measured in blood tests. Frequently it is drawn if there are fertility issues, menstrual irregularities, or if you want to see if you are in menopause.
In women,
FSH helps regulate the menses and stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles. The growth of ovarian follicles in the ovaries happens before the release of an egg during ovulation and works in conjunction with luteinizing hormone (LH) to ensure proper reproductive function.
- HIGH levels are seen in menopause, primary ovarian insufficiency, and some infertility. 
- LOW levels are seen in infertility and some pituitary gland disorders.
In men,
FSH is involved in the production of sperm. It stimulates the Sertoli cells in the testes, which support the development of sperm.
Testing is important as it helps guide treatments:
- Evaluating Menstrual Irregularities: If you have irregular menstrual cycles, FSH testing can help determine if hormonal imbalances are the cause.
- Assessing Ovarian Function: In women, FSH levels can indicate the function of the ovaries, helping to diagnose conditions like primary ovarian insufficiency or menopause.
- Diagnosing Infertility: Both men and women may undergo FSH testing as part of an infertility evaluation. In women, high or low FSH levels can indicate issues with ovarian reserve or function. In men, abnormal FSH levels can point to problems with sperm production.
- Monitoring Treatment: For individuals undergoing fertility treatments, FSH testing can help monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and adjust it as needed.
- Evaluating Pituitary Function: Since FSH is produced by the pituitary gland, abnormal levels can indicate issues with the pituitary gland, which may require further investigation.
How can Biohackr Health help?
TEST your FSH levels. It is part of our Biohackr Baseline Screen.
FERTILITY or HORMONE IMBALANCES. We have many treatments which can help with fertility. We test FSH to evaluate some of those causes, and there are other treatments as well. Fertility options