Follicle Stimulating Hormone

FSH levels are usually just one part of the puzzle a doctor has to work out. To gain a clearer picture, further tests are likely to be needed. Following tests may be advised by your doctor: Estradiol Luteinizing hormone Progesterone Testosterone

There are certain medicines that can affect the levels of FSH. In order to prevent false readings, it is important for the individual to inform the doctor about all the medicines they are taking as they can alter the functioning of hormones. Medicines that could increase FSH levels include cimetidine, clomiphene, digitalis, and levodopa. Whereas, medicines that decrease FSH levels include hormone replacement therapies, oral contraceptives, and phenothiazines. Taking multivitamins that contain biotin or vitamin B7 may also affect the accuracy of the FSH test. Doctors usually recommend that a woman should not take these supplements for at least 12 hours before a test.

As such no special preparations are required. However, in case of women, menstrual cycle timing is noted so as to compare the range accordingly.

Yes, the FSH level can vary during the different phases of the menstrual cycle. Following are the normal range during different phases: Follicular phase: 3.1-7.9 mIU/ML Ovulation phase: 2.3-18.5 mIU/mL Luteal phase: 1.4-5.5 mIU/mL FSH levels can vary not only throughout the menstrual cycle but also from cycle to cycle. You can get a normal test value one month and an abnormal test value the next. Hence, to test basic fertility and to evaluate ovarian reserves, the FSH level is checked on day 3 of the menstrual cycle. The first day of the cycle is the day when the period begins. Reference range may vary from lab to lab* l range during different phases: Follicular phase: 3.1-7.9 mIU/ML Ovulation phase: 2.3-18.5 mIU/mL Luteal phase: 1.4-5.5 mIU/mL FSH levels can vary not only throughout the menstrual cycle but also from cycle to cycle. You can get a normal test value one month and an abnormal test value the next. Hence, to test basic fertility and to evaluate ovarian reserves, the FSH level is checked on day 3 of the menstrual cycle. The first day of the cycle is the day when the period begins. Reference range may vary from lab to lab*

The levels of FSH can get affected by conditions like uncontrolled thyroid disease, sex-dependent hormone tumors, ovarian cysts, and unusual vaginal bleeding. Moreover, medicines like birth control pills, cimetidine, clomiphene, digitalis, levodopa, phenothiazines as well as medicines used in hormone replacement therapies can also affect the levels. Similarly, medicines used in hormone replacement therapies can also alter the FSH levels. Multivitamins containing biotin or vitamin B7 may also affect the accuracy of the FSH test. It is generally advised that a woman should avoid taking these supplements for at least 12 hours before a test.

High levels of FSH can indicate loss of ovarian function or ovarian failure, menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome, chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Turner’s syndrome), and reduction in the production of good quality eggs and embryos for fertilization.

High levels of FSH in men may indicate Klinefelter’s syndrome, absence of testicles or impaired functioning of testicles, damage to testicles by a disease such as alcohol dependence, and testicular damage by treatments such as X-rays or chemotherapy.