Blood Tests: FSH Test
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FSH tests measure the workup of infertility in men and women; FSH–follicle stimulating hormone–levels detect menstrual irregularities, a low sperm count, and can aid in the diagnosis of pituitary disorders. They are often used in conjunction with other tests such as LH, testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone. FSH blood tests can also diagnose delayed or precocious puberty.
High FSH levels will help women differentiate between primary ovarian failure (failure of the ovaries themselves) and secondary ovarian failure (failure of the ovaries due to disorders of either the pituitary or the hypothalamus). Increased levels of FSH and LH are consistent with primary ovarian failure. Some of these developmental defects include ovarian agenesis (failure to develop ovaries), chromosomal abnormality, such as Turners syndrome, and 17 alpha hydroxylase deficiency, an ovarian steroidogenesis defect.
What Else FSH Tests Can Tell Us
FSH levels will generally rise when a woman enters menopause, and her ovaries stop working. Lower levels of FSH and LH are consistent with secondary ovarian failure due to a pituitary or hypothalamic problem. Lab tests that return high FSH levels in men are due to primary testicular failure, which can be attributed to developmental defects in testicular growth or testicular injury.
Some developmental defects resulting from low FSH levels in men include gonadal agenesis, chromosomal abnormality, such as Klinefelters syndrome, and testicular failure. If a childs FSH test shows high levels of FSH and LH, as well as development of secondary sexual characteristics at an unusually young age, its an indication of precocious puberty; however, it is much more common in girls than in boys.
Posted on: Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 1:00 pm 
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