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FSH

Formal name: Follicle-stimulating hormone
Related tests: Total estrogens, Estradiol, LH, Testosterone, Progesterone

Common Questions

1.  I’m having a hard time getting pregnant. What tests do I need?

Basic tests for infertility often include luteinizing hormone (LH), in the form of an ovulation test kit (using urine). Your doctor may also ask you to keep track of your body temperature, which rises slightly when ovulation occurs. Other tests for infertility include FSH and LH blood tests and other hormonal tests as well as a postcoital (after intercourse) examination. A hysterosalpingogram (image of fallopian tubes) may be ordered to see whether your fallopian tubes are blocked. Your husband may be asked to give a specimen of semen for analysis.

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2.  I am a young woman, but now I am growing facial hair and still have no regular period. What’s wrong with me?

You may have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal problem seen in 7-10% of women and a major cause of infertility. With this condition, ovaries may become larger because of cysts that form in them. Women with PCOS also may have high levels of androgens and do not ovulate normally. You may need to undergo several laboratory tests, including FSH, LH, and androgens, to make sure that PCOS is the condition causing your symptoms. A combination of medications and hormone therapy may help to alleviate your symptoms.

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3.  Why would a man need a test for female hormones?

Men also produce FSH and LH in their bodies, and these hormone levels are important for male reproduction too. In men, FSH stimulates the testes to produce sperm just as in women FSH stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs. In men, LH can be measured if testosterone levels are low.

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4.  Is there a home test for FSH?

Yes. There is an FDA-approved self-test that measures the level of FSH in a urine sample. It is used as an indicator of perimenopause, which is associated with a rise in FSH levels. For more information, visit the FDA’s web site at http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/oivd/homeuse-menopause.html

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