Low Fsh Levels In Females
Low levels of FSH typically indicate a dysfunction in the hypothalamus or anterior pituitary gland. The hypothalamus is the part of the brain that controls the bodys pituitary gland functions and other hormonal activities. A low blood level of FSH may mean any of the following:
- inadequate growth of ovarian follicles, which contain eggs
- pituitary gland dysfunction
Understanding Of Lab Tests Results
Please visit the page about FSH on the site associated with The American Association for Clinical Chemistry for better understanding of tests. There you will find the most detailed and full information regarding lab tests. In “common questions” tab you will find answers on the most common questions.
In addition, you can use a special form to ask the question. It is useful, if there is no answer on your question on the web site. A laboratory scientist will answer your question. It is a part of voluntary service provided by the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.
What Does Fsh Hormone Do
Follicle stimulating hormone is one of the most important hormones involved in the natural menstrual cycle as well as in pharmacological stimulation of the ovaries. It is the main hormone involved in producing mature eggs in the ovaries..FSH is the same hormone that is contained in the injectable gonadotropins which are used to produce multiple eggs for infertility treatment.
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Low Fsh Levels In Women
Having a low FSH level can indicate:
- You arenât making eggs
- The pituitary gland is not functioning correctly
- There is a problem with the hypothalamus
- You are underweight or have lost weight quickly
- Eating large amounts of soy
- You may have hypothyroidism
Symptoms of low FSH levels include delayed puberty, infertility, and irregular menstrual cycles.
What Do The Fhs Test Results Mean
Your FSH results vary by age and gender. For men, normal values before puberty are between 0 and 5.0 IU/L while the values are between 0.3 and 10 IU/L during puberty. Normal values for adults are between 1.5 and 12.4 IU/L.
For women, normal values are as follows: between 0 and 4.0 IU/L before puberty, between 0.3 and 10 IU/L during puberty, between 4.7 and 21.5 IU/L for women who still get their menstrual period, and between 25.8 and 134.8 IU/L after menopause.
When you get tested for FSH, results can help identify whether abnormal levels are caused by the failure of the ovaries themselves, which is referred to as primary ovarian failure or, by a failure of the ovaries as a result of pituitary and hypothalamus disorders that is referred to as secondary ovarian failure.
If a man is being tested and wants to understand the results, heres what he should know. Low levels of FSH are normally linked to disorders of the pituitary glands and the hypothalamus. On the other hand, high levels of this hormone are caused by a primary testicular failure, which could be caused by many factors such as:
- Developmental defects in the testicular growth
- Failure to develop the gonads, referred to as gonadal agenesis
- Chromosomal abnormalities, which is the case for Klinefelter syndrome.
- Viral infections such as mumps
- Autoimmune diseases
- Tumor of the germ cell
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Purpose Of Fsh Level Test In Women
Approximately 6% of American women between the ages of 15 and 44 cannot get pregnant after one year of trying. FSH levels can help identify fertility issues or hormonal imbalances. The following are reasons why a woman may need an FSH level drawn:
- Not achieving pregnancy after 12 months of trying
- Irregular periods
- Determine if she is perimenopausal or has gone through menopause
What Does The Test Result Mean
Results of an FSH test are typically considered with results of other hormone tests, such as LH , estrogens, and/or testosterone.
As part of an infertility workup, a high or low FSH is not diagnostic but provides a piece of information on what may be the cause. For example, a hormone imbalance may affect a woman’s menstrual cycle and/or ovulation. A healthcare practitioner will consider all the information from the workup to establish a diagnosis.
In Women
FSH and LH levels can help to differentiate between a condition affecting the ovaries themselves and dysfunction of the ovaries due to disorders of either the pituitary or the hypothalamus .
High levels of FSH and LH are consistent with conditions affecting the ovaries themselves. Some examples include:
Developmental defects:
- Failure to develop ovaries
- Chromosome disorder, such as Turner syndrome
- Defect in the steroid production by the ovaries, such as 17 alpha hydroxylase deficiency
Damage to the ovaries due to:
- Radiation exposure
- Failure to develop normal gonads
- Chromosome disorder, such as Klinefelter syndrome
Low levels are consistent with pituitary or hypothalamic disorders. See the article on Pituitary Disorders for more information.
In Children
- Central nervous system tumor
- Brain injury, trauma
- Inflammation within the central nervous system
- Tumors that produce and release hormones
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Ovarian tumors or cysts
- Testicular tumors
- Dysfunction of the ovaries or testicles
- Hormone deficiency
- Eating disorder
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When To Speak With A Doctor About The Fsh & Lh Blood Test
Women should speak to their doctor and the FSH and LH blood test if they are having problems getting pregnant and have been trying for several months. Women who do not have menstrual periods or have irregular periods should also discuss this blood test with their doctor.
Men should speak to their doctor about this blood test if they are unable to get their partner pregnant and testing confirms it isnt a health issue with their partner. If a low sperm count has been detected or if there is a decreased sex drive that is accompanied by a shrinking muscle mass, men should also think about scheduling an appointment.
The signs and symptoms of a pituitary gland disorder should also be evaluated by a medical professional. This includes: weakness, weight loss, decreased appetite, and persistent fatigue.
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Why Do I Need An Fsh Levels Test
If you are a woman, you may need this test if:
- You’ve been unable to get pregnant after 12 months of trying.
- Your menstrual cycle is irregular.
- Your periods have stopped. The test may be used to find out if you have gone through menopause or are in perimenopause
If you are a man, you may need this test if:
- You’ve been unable to get your partner pregnant after 12 months of trying.
- Your sex drive is decreased.
Both men and women may need testing if they have symptoms of a pituitary disorder. These include some of the symptoms listed above, as well as:
Your child may need an FSH test if he or she does not seem to be starting puberty at the right age .
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What Happens During An Estrogen Test
Estrogens can be tested in blood, urine, or saliva. Blood or urine is usually tested in doctorâs office or lab. Saliva tests can be done at home.
For a blood test:
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle.
After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
For a urine test:
Your health care provider may ask you to collect all urine passed in a 24-hour period. This is called a 24-hour urine sample test. For this test, your health care provider or a laboratory professional will give you a container to collect your urine and instructions on how to collect and store your samples. A 24-hour urine sample test generally includes the following steps:
- Empty your bladder in the morning and flush that urine down. Do not collect this urine. Record the time.
- For the next 24 hours, save all your urine passed in the container provided.
- Store your urine container in the refrigerator or a cooler with ice.
- Return the sample container to your health providerâs office or the laboratory as instructed.
For an at-home saliva test, talk your health care provider. He or she can tell you which kit to use and how to prepare and collect your sample.
What Causes High Lh Levels In Females
If you’re a woman, abnormally high levels of LH during nonovulatory times in your menstrual cycle may mean you are in menopause. It may also mean that you have a pituitary disorder or polycystic ovary syndrome. Low levels of LH may mean you have a pituitary disorder, anorexia, malnutrition, or are under stress.
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What If I Have Low Fsh Levels
Low FSH levels are not common and may indicate that there is a problem with your pituitary gland. For example, hypopituitarism is a rare condition that prevents your body from making enough hormones, which can result in low levels of FSH.
Symptoms of hypopituitarism include stomach pain, excessive thirst, excessive urination, fatigue, anemia, and weight fluctuations. To diagnose hypopituitarism, your doctor will want to check your hormone levels with a blood test. This may be followed by an MRI of your pituitary gland.
In addition to hypopituitarism, being underweight can also cause disruptions with your hormones. If you are struggling to maintain a healthy weight, its a good idea to speak with your doctor about strategies for gaining weight safely.
What Causes High Fsh In Females
High FSH Levelsa loss of ovarian function, or ovarian failure. menopause. polycystic ovarian syndrome, which is a condition in which a woman’s hormones are out of balance, causing ovarian cysts. a chromosomal abnormality, such as Turner’s syndrome that occurs when part or all of one of a woman’s X chromosomes is …
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What Are Normal Fsh Levels
A study on day 3 FSH levels and IVF outcomes showed that women with day 3 FSH levels lower than 15 mIU/ml had a better chance of pregnancy achievement per IVF attempt when compared to women with FSH levels between 15 mIU/ml and 24.9 mIU/ml. For women with day 3 FSH levels over 25 mIU/ml, pregnancy rates per attempt were even lower.
Sometimes FSH levels are normal, but day 3 estradiol levels are abnormally high. If your estradiol is high, but your FSH levels are normal, you may still have poor ovarian reserves. High estradiol levels can suppress FSH, because FSH and estradiol work together. When estrogen levels are high, the body lowers FSH in response. If your estrogen levels are high, your FSH levels will naturally drop, but this doesnt mean your ovaries are responding to the FSH.
A normal range will vary between labs, as a normal value at one clinic may be considered abnormally high in another. Speak to your doctor for an accurate interpretation. Additionally, a comparison with your LH and estrogen levels is required to get the entire picture.
Sometimes, women want their FSH levels tested in order to get an idea of whether they should start trying to have a baby soon or if they have more time. If you get a normal result, you may think you dont have to worry about age-related infertility.
When Thyroid Levels May Be Tested
You may need a thyroid hormone test if you have symptoms of either an underactive thyroid or an overactive thyroid .
Hypothyroidism symptoms include:
| Pituitary disease |
If results start out with low TSH and high thyroid hormones and then reverse with further testing, it indicates thyroiditis, which is inflammation of the thyroid gland.
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Purpose Of Fsh Level Test In Men
Fertility is never just a woman’s issue men can also contribute to infertility. Around 8% of American couples struggle with infertility due to the male. The following are reasons why men may need an FSH level drawn:
- Partner has not achieved pregnancy after 12 months of trying
- Experiencing: fatigue, weakness, weight loss, or decreased appetite
How Is The Test Used
The test for follicle-stimulating hormone may be used with other hormone tests such as luteinizing hormone , testosterone, estradiol, and/or progesterone to help:
- Determine the cause of infertility
- Diagnose conditions associated with dysfunction of the ovaries or testicles
- Aid in the diagnosis of pituitary or hypothalamus disorders, which can affect FSH production
In women, FSH levels are also useful in:
- The investigation of menstrual irregularities
- Predicting when or if a woman is entering menopause
In men, FSH levels are used to help determine the reason for a low sperm count.
In children, FSH and LH are used to help diagnose delayed or precocious puberty. Irregular timing of puberty may be an indication of a more serious problem involving the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, the ovaries or testicles, or other systems. The measurement of LH and FSH may differentiate between normal patterns of development and true disease. Once it is established that symptoms are a result of true disease, further testing can be done to identify the underlying cause.
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Where Can I Get An Fsh Test Near Me
Please use our Lab Locator to find find a convenient testing location.
Women who have a 28-day cycle, blood should be drawn on day 21 . For longer or shorter cycles, count 8 days back from the day your next menstruation would start. Women who no longer have a menstruation cycle, blood can be drawn any day of the month. The FSH test is often ordered with other hormone tests, especially with luteinizing hormone in women.
How To Prepare
Many medicines, such as cimetidine, clomiphene, digitalis, and levodopa, can change your test results. You may be asked to stop taking medicines that contain estrogen or progesterone or both for up to 4 weeks before you have a follicle-stimulating hormone test. Make sure your doctor has a complete list of all the prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take, including herbs and natural substances.
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Why It Is Done
The amounts of FSH and other hormones are measured to:
- Find out why a couple can’t become pregnant.
- Help diagnose menstrual problems or find out whether a woman has gone through menopause.
- See why a child is going through early or delayed puberty.
- Help diagnose certain pituitary gland problems, such as a tumor.
How Fsh Works In The Body
FSH production begins in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, located at the base of the brain next to your pituitary gland.
These are
Heres a simplified overview of for ovulation and menstruation:
FSH isnt the only hormone in this reproductive process. LH, estrogen, and progesterone also play important roles.
Ovulation and menstruation occur monthly in many people during their main reproductive years. This process tapers off during perimenopause, the transitional stage that happens before menopause.
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Is There Anything Else I Need To Know About An Fsh Levels Test
There is an at-home test that measures FSH levels in urine. The kit is designed for women who want to find out if certain symptoms such as irregular periods, vaginal dryness, and hot flashes may be due to menopause or perimenopause. The test can show whether you have high FSH levels, a sign of menopause or perimenopause. But it doesn’t diagnose either condition. After taking the test, you should talk with your health care provider about the results.
Why Take A Fsh Blood Test
In females, FSH levels along with luteinising hormone levels can distinguish between primary and secondary ovarian failure. If levels of FSH and LH are increased then this is indicative of primary ovarian failure due to reduced responsiveness of the ovaries. Whereas low FSH and LH alongside low oestrogen levels show secondary ovarian failure due to down regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary axis.
Increased FSH levels will rise when a woman enters the menopause because her ovaries will no longer work. In men, high levels of FSH are a result of testicular failure and confirm there is little or no sperm production.
It is important your FSH levels are measured at the correct time during your cycle. FSH levels fluctuate during your menstrual cycle and your sample should be taken within the first four days to enable comparison to appropriate reference range for that phase of the cycle. If you are going through the menopause, on the other hand, your sample can be taken at any time.
You can test your FSH levels along with other key fertility hormones by purchasing a simple at-home finger prick test kit which is then analysed at an accredited lab. Forth offers a number of blood tests which include FSH such as , , &
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