Find Cause of Male & Female Fertility. Confirm Menopause.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone made by the male and female pituitary gland the direction of the hypothalamus.

It controls women’s menstrual cycle and works with luteinizing hormone to control the release of eggs. FSH signals testicular growth and supports sperm cell maturation.

An FSH test may be indicated if you are a male or female and experience symptoms of pituitary or hypothalamic disorders, have fertility problems and other sexual health and reproductive dysfunction.

How It Works

Fill out a medical questionnaire and follow step-by-step instructions to collect your blood spot samples. It only takes about 10 minutes to make a tiny prick in your finger and squeeze one drop of blood on each of the circles included with the kit.

You’ll receive results online in 5-7 days along with a complete report listing FSH reference ranges for your age and laboratory comments specific to your symptoms, medical circumstances and reason for the test.

Are Blood Spot Tests Accurate?

Yes. Dried blood spot samples for many hormones including FSH have been shown to be as accurate as blood serum.¹

What Is The Role Of FSH In Women?

FSH controls women’s menstrual cycle and stimulates the growth of eggs in the ovaries. In girls, FSH signals the ovaries to produce estrogen.

Why Women Test FSH

FSH levels fluctuate in women from day to day and correspond to her age. Levels that do not correspond to age can help identify ovarian, pituitary or hypothalamic disorders and assess irregular or stopped menstrual periods.

An FSH test measures the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries, known as ovarian reserve. The test may be used to evaluate fertility based on egg quantity but not egg quality or health. Results can also confirm menopause, help predict age of menopause and determine start of perimenopause.

The average of menopause in the US is 51. It occurs when the ovaries stop releasing eggs. Perimenopause is defined as the 8-10 year span before menopause.

What Does FSH Do In Men?

FSH along with LH initiates the first steps of sperm production in men. In boys it works with LH to signal the gonads to produce testosterone. FSH levels in males are low until puberty. FSH production increases during puberty then stabilizes throughout adulthood.

Why Would A Man Measure His FSH Levels?

• Determine cause of low sperm count
• Find cause of hypogonadism or gonadal failure
• Evaluate testicular health
• Uncover reasons for low sex drive
• Diagnose pituitary or hypothalamic disorders

What Are Symptoms of Pituitary Disorders?

Symptoms include but are not limited to

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Unexplained weight gain
• Muscle loss
• Headaches
• Loss of libido
• Loss of appetite
• Vision problems

What Are Signs Of Hypothalamic Disorders?

Symptoms include but are not limited to

• Heat sensitivity
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Sleep trouble
• Loss of sex drive

The hypothalamus is part of the brain and located at the underside. Among its many functions, it directs the pituitary gland to produce and release FSH and LH. The pituitary gland is attached to the bottom of the hypothalamus.

Reference

¹ Edelman A, et al. A comparison of blood spot vs. plasma analysis of gonadotropin and ovarian steroid hormone levels in reproductive-age women. Fertil Steril. 2007;88(5):1404-1407. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.12.016