Health Information
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
Test Overview
A follicle-stimulating hormone test measures the amount of follicle-stimulating Reference hormone Opens New Window (FSH) in a blood sample. FSH is produced by the Reference pituitary gland Opens New Window.
- In women, FSH helps control the Reference menstrual cycle Opens New Window and the production of eggs by the Reference ovaries Opens New Window. The amount of FSH varies throughout a woman's menstrual cycle and is highest just before she releases an egg (ovulates).
- In men, FSH helps control the production of sperm. The amount of FSH in men normally remains constant.
The amounts of FSH and other hormones (luteinizing hormone, estrogen, and progesterone) are measured in both a man and a woman to determine why the couple can't become pregnant (Reference infertility Opens New Window). The FSH level can help determine whether male or female sex organs (Reference testicles Opens New Window or ovaries) are functioning properly.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference May 18, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Femi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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