FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH)

Males : 

• 1.4 - 18.1 mIU/ml

Females : 

• Follicular phase : 2.5 – 10.2 mIU/ml
• Mid Cycle peak : 3.4 - 33.4 mIU/ml
• Luteal Phase : 1.5 – 9.1 mIU/ml
• Pregnant : <0.3 mIU/ml
• Post menopause : 23 – 116.3 mIU/ml

Paediatric Normal range :

• 4weeks - 1 year : 0.16 – 4.1 (M)
• 4 weeks – 1 year : 0.24 -14.2 (F)
• 2- 8 years : 0.26 - 3.0 (M)
• 2- 8 years : 1.0 - 4.2 (F)

• FSH stimulates the maturation of ovarian follicles. It is secreted by the anterior pituitary in response to gonadotropin - releasing hormone (GnRH) secreted by the hypothalamus. It is a glycoprotein hormone. In both males and females, FSH secretion is regulated by a balance of positive and negative feedback mechanisms involving the Hypothalamus-pituitary axis, the reproductive organs and the pituitary and sex steroid hormones.
• In females, it stimulates follicle development and production of estradiol and other estrogens during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. It acts synergistically with LH to cause ovulation. Its measurement is usually used to determine the cause of infertility, gonadal failure and menstrual disturbances.
• In males, FSH is also critical for sperm production. It supports the function of Sertoli cells, which in turn support many aspects of sperm cell maturation.
  Patients with elevated basal FSH recruit few follicles, have lower egg retrieval rates, lower fertilization dates, embryo implantation dates, and ultimately poor pregnancy rates.
• FSH Titres are chronically elevated in women suffering from premature ovarian failure. FSH may be suppressed to acyclic low values in hypogonadotropic disorder such as Anorexia Nervosa. Rising FSH titres anticipates impending follicular rupture
• FSH along with LH is helpful in predicting ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
• It is also useful in investigation of menstrual abnormalities and in predicting when or if a woman is entering menopause

• Menopause
• Primary ovarian hypofunction in females
• Primary hypogonadism in males
• Anorchidism
• Gonadal failure
• Klinefelters syndrome
• Castration

• Primary ovarian hyper function in females
• Primary hypergonadism in males
• In pituitary and hypothalamic failure
• PCOS