FSH

DESCRIPTION:
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone – Follitropin (FSH) – Sample Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a glycoprotein hormone composed of 2 subunits (a and b), molecular weight about 30,000 daltons. The alpha subunit is similar to the subunit of LH, hCG and TSH. The beta subunit varies and is biochemically specific. FSH is secreted by basophilic cells from the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, which are referred to as gonadotropin cells. Gonadoliberin (GnRH = gonadotropin-releasing hormone; FSH-releasing factor) from the hypothalamus controls the release of FSH from the pituitary gland. FSH stimulates the production of the egg follicle (egg) and estradiol during the first half of the menstrual cycle. Follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates the growth and maturation of egg follicles, stimulates estrogen secretion, stimulates endometrial changes characteristic of the first part (proliferative phase) of the menstrual cycle and stimulates spermatogenesis in men. In women, FSH affects the growth of egg follicles and with a little LH, it affects the secretion of estrogen from the follicles.

DETERMINATION:
Determination method: ECLIA. The sample for analysis is serum or plasma (heparin or EDTA). The stability of the sample is 14 days at 2-8°C, 6 months at -20°C.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
When to ask for an FSH test? The FSH test will be requested when it is desired to determine whether a reproductive or pituitary disorder is suspected. The level of FSH in the serum gives a good insight into the number of eggs in the ovaries. A high FSH value indicates that there has been ovarian failure or the beginning of ovarian failure. If the FSH level is very high (menopausal range), then it is ovarian failure. A low FSH level indicates hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The FSH test is a key test to determine whether a woman is in menopause or not. When the ovaries stop producing enough estrogen, the level of FSH rises, which can be a sign that the menopause phase has begun. The level of FSH should be determined on the second or third day of the menstrual cycle. It is preferable to simultaneously measure the concentration of estradiol in the blood. 1) Normal or reduced FSH values are found in: polycystic ovaries 2) Increased FSH values are found in: premenopause, menopause, primary ovarian hypofunction and primary hypogonadism in men. 3) Reduced FSH values are found in: primary ovarian hyperfunction and primary hypergonadism in men. Determination of the concentration of estradiol on the 2nd or 3rd day of the cycle along with the determination of the concentration of FSH is sometimes very helpful. The estradiol level at that time of the cycle is above 75 pmol/L.

RESULT:
The reference range depends on gender, age and method. The reference interval is displayed on each validated result.