Information About FSH Level

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is one of the very important hormones found in humans. The gonadotrophs of the pituitary gland produce the follicle stimulating hormone. Its function includes regulating the development, growth, and maturation of the body during puberty and other reproductive process.

In the following paragraphs, we discuss what FSH levels, essentially indicate.

FSH Level Test -- Why the Need
The FSH tests are advised in cases of women with infertility and those on the onset of menopause suffering from high FSH levels. An FSH test will help detect high levels of this hormone, which cause irregularity with the ovulation cycle, missed periods, and infertility. The test involves both clinical blood tests as well as urine-based home FSH test kits.

Women who have trouble conceiving may undergo FSH test to determine the ovarian reserve. This means the number of eggs available for fertilization in a woman are estimated. High ovarian reserve indicates that there are plenty of eggs viable for fertilization in the ovaries.

Low ovarian reserve indicates lesser number of eggs available for fertilization. The FSH level is calculated using a simple blood test. The level of hormones are directly related to the number of eggs present in the ovarian reserve.

By measuring the amount of FSH levels in women, a doctor may understand if one needs to go through in-vitro fertilization, or intrauterine insemination. The doctor will perform the test on the second or the third day of the menstrual cycle. This is the best time to perform the test as it gives accurate results regarding ovarian reserve.

Interpreting FSH Levels
The doctor will compare the results of your FSH test with the normal FSH level. The normal FSH level in women is under 10 and abnormal FSH level can be anything above 25. The level of estradiol tested along with FSH level is also compared. Estradiol is one of the types of estrogen that is secreted by the ovaries.

It is very helpful in indicating the level of ovarian reserve. The level of estradiol above 75 indicates poor ovarian reserve. The levels are measured in mIU/ml, i.e., milli international units per milliliter. The FSH levels are charted in this section of the story. The normal FSH levels for women and men are undermentioned, respectively.

Premenarchal: 0 -- 4.0 mIU/ml
Through Puberty: 0.3 -- 10.0 mIU/ml
Menstrual: 4.7 -- 21.5 mIU/ml
Perimenopausal: Higher than 30 mIU/ml
Menopausal: Higher than 50 mIU/ml
Postmenopausal: 30 -- 134.8 mIU/ml

Measuring FSH levels helps women understand their ovarian efficiency. Your fertility levels claim to have decreased if the FSH levels are greater than 10. With appropriate conduction of tests, a certified practitioner may help you understand if the level is classified as normal, borderline, or abnormal.

If the FSH level obtained is 10 or below, it indicates that there is a probability of pregnancy; however, it may not be considered a sure signal toward good fertility resulting pregnancy.

A borderline case with an FSH level between 11 and 13 indicates that the chances of becoming pregnant are rather low, marking a dip in the ovarian reserve. Abnormal FSH level is characterized by an FSH level of 14 or greater.

It reflects poorly on the quality of the egg produced and a hampered ovarian reserve, thereby indicating that the chances of pregnancy are not as potent as they ought to be.

Nevertheless, it is essential to note that FSH levels may not have a consistent record through the passage of months. It, after all, is the registering of the highest FSH level that indicates the quality of the egg.

Prepubertal: 0 -- 5.0 mIU/ml
Through Puberty: 0.3 -- 11.0 mIU/ml
Adulthood: 1.5 -- 12.0 mIU/ml

In men, FSH levels more or less remain constant. However, if the tested level found is on a higher side, it indicates that the testes are not working as efficiently as they ought to. If, however, the levels are low, it indicates gonadal dysfunction with low sperm motility.

High FSH Levels
High FSH level, often is seen in women, who have undergone menopause. It also indicates that the normal restricting feedback from the gonad is absent. This the reason why there is high pituitary FSH production. It is abnormal for a woman to have high FSH levels during her reproductive years.

It may indicate premature ovarian failure, i.e., premature menopause. Other reasons for high FSH include:

• Premature Ovarian Aging (poor ovarian reserve)
• Turner syndrome
• Swyer syndrome
• Castration (in men)
• Testicular failure (in men)

Low FSH Levels
When one develops hypogonadism or decrease in function of the gonads, there is reduction in secretion of FSH hormone. In men, it indicates failure to produce a normal number of sperms. In women, it leads to total cessation of the menstruation cycle. Other conditions where low FSH is seen include:

• Gonadal suppression therapy
• Hyperprolactinemia
• Hypopituitarism
• Kallmann syndrome
• Ovarian Cyst
• Obesity
• Infertility

The FSH levels information above indicate the reason as to why one is unable to reproduce. Other causes of abnormally high, or low FSH levels lead to delay in sexual maturation and multiple gonadotropic disorders.

If you feel you, too, have a problem, you must consult a qualified practitioner to raise your predicaments. He would use the FSH calculator to help detect the problem, if any.

Disclaimer: The story published herein, is meant to accomplish pedagogical purposes only. The recommendations mentioned hereby may not be generically applicable. The information, by no means, intends to supplant the diagnosis and advice imparted by the medical practitioner.