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Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Principle
FSH is secreted by the anterior pituitary under the control of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). In both males and females, FSH facilitates the development and maintenance of gonadal tissues. These tissues synthesize and secrete steroid hormones, which regulate FSH concentrations via negative feedback.
At menopause, ovarian function and steroid secretion cease, resulting in elevated FSH due to lack of negative feedback. FSH concentrations are similarly increased in premenopausal women with ovarian failure or incomplete ovarian maturation during puberty. In males, elevated FSH is observed when testes fail to reach functional maturity or in cases of infertility due to primary testicular failure.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Collection
Processing
Storage and Transport
≤ –20 °C; avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles. For short-term storage (≤8 hours), samples may be kept at room temperature (15–30 °C); for up to 48 hours, refrigerate at 2–8 °C.
Unacceptable Specimens
Hemolyzed or unspun specimens (may yield inaccurate results)
Method
Enhanced chemiluminescence.
Normal Range
| Category | FSH (mIU/mL) |
| Female, mid-follicular phase | 3.85–8.78 |
| Female, mid-cycle peak | 4.54–22.51 |
| Female, mid-luteal phase | 1.79–5.12 |
| Postmenopausal female | 21.5–131 |
| Male | 1.27–19.26 |
Turnaround Time
References
- Short RV. The Control of Menstruation. Br J Hosp Med. 7:552–555; 1972.
- Hillier SG. Current Concepts of the Roles of Follicle-Stimulating and Luteinizing Hormone in Folliculogenesis. Hum Reprod. 9:188–191; 1994.
- Ahmed Ebbiary NA, et al. The Significance of Elevated Basal Follicle-Stimulating Hormone in Regularly Menstruating Infertile Women. Hum Reprod. 9:245–252; 1994.