Follicle-stimulating hormone. What is his norm and when is he promoted?

In the reproductive function of a man and woman, follicle-stimulating hormone plays a significant role. Its deviation from the norm may indicate serious violations in the body. The level of this hormone must be checked when examining infertility.

FSH is produced by the pituitary gland and regulates the functioning of the gonads. It affects the maturation and formation of spermatozoa and oocytes, as well as the synthesis of estrogens. In men, follicle-stimulating hormone promotes the growth of the vas deferens and increases testosterone levels in the blood, providing libido.

FSH in women affects the formation of the follicle. Its maximum level leads to ovulation. So, the follicle-stimulating hormone is the norm in mU / l:

• Men - 1.38-13.59;
• The follicular phase is 2.46-9.48;
• Ovulation - 2.68-15.68;
• Luteal phase - 1.02-6.41;
• Postmenopause - 9,31-100,61.

Analysis is given on an empty stomach in the morning. Within 3 days before this, you must exclude active workouts. Men can take it at any time, and women - at a time appointed by the doctor. Usually in the follicular phase it is 4-6, and in the luteal phase it is 19-21 days of the cycle with its standard duration.

One hour before the study, do not smoke. Also on the eve and on the day of analysis, stress should be eliminated. During acute illnesses, the study can not be carried out.

Blood is taken from the vein, the term of execution is several days. The given norms are approximate, usually each laboratory necessarily indicates its own in the form of the result, because they depend on the test system used.

So, follicle-stimulating hormone is increased in the following cases:

• Kidney failure;
• Pituitary tumor (basophilic adenoma);
• Uterine bleeding due to follicle persistence ;
• menopause;
• Orchitis;
• alcoholism;
• Decreased function of the gonads;
• Taking certain drugs;
• X-ray radiation;
• Ectopic secretion;
• chemotherapy;
• Ovarian cysts (endometriosis);
• castration;
• Testicular feminization;
• Syndromes of Shershevsky-Turner and Klinefelter.

Low levels of FSH are noted when:

• Obesity;
• PCOS;
• Hypothalamic amenorrhea;
• Hypothalamus of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland;
• Taking some drugs;
• Surgical interventions;
• Starvation;
• Hyperprolactinemia;
• Denny-Morfan syndrome;
• Simmonds disease;
• Pregnancy;
• Shihan syndrome;
• Pituitary tuberculosis ;
• Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

The follicle stimulating hormone test is administered in the following situations:

• Decreased potency and libido;
• Control of hormone therapy;
• Chronic inflammation of the genitals;
• Endometriosis;
• Growth retardation;
• PCOS (polycystic ovary);
• Violations of sexual development (its prematurity or delay);
• Miscarriage of pregnancy;
• Uterine bleeding;
• Amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea (rare menstruation or lack thereof);
• Anovulation;
• infertility.

FSH is released into the blood pulse every 1-4 hours. Emissions last about 15 minutes. At this time, the concentration of the hormone is 2 times higher than the average. Dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis is reflected in inappropriate production of FSH. It is very important also its relationship with luteinizing hormone, which in 2 years after the first menstruation should be 1.5-2, and before it equal 1.

Due to the pulsating nature of the release of LH and FSH, when suspected of a reduced amount, it is recommended to take blood three times at intervals of half an hour. If we are talking about an increased level, then one sample is adequate.

FSH in injections is prescribed for the treatment of infertility, which is caused by a decrease in sperm formation, amenorrhea, inadequate ovulation. However, its stimulation with the help of this hormone can cause a multiple pregnancy.

So, follicle-stimulating hormone significantly affects the reproductive function of both women and men. Its deviation from the norm can talk about many diseases. The concentration of the hormone depends on the sex, age and phase of the cycle.