FSH, follitropin
Men's/women's healthFSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) is a pituitary hormone that stimulates egg development in ovaries and sperm production in testes.
FSH levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle, surge during ovulation, and rise drastically after menopause when ovaries stop responding.
Why this matters
FSH levels reflect reproductive system activity and overall hormonal balance. Abnormally high or low levels can indicate changes in fertility, menopausal status, or pituitary function.
How this connects to other biomarkers
- In men, elevated FSH with low Testosteron, total indicates the testicles themselves are failing (primary testicular failure); low FSH with low testosterone suggests the brain/pituitary is the problem (secondary hypogonadism).
- In women, persistently elevated FSH (> 25 IU/L) with low estradiol confirms menopause; an LH/FSH Ratio > 2 in pre-menopausal women raises suspicion for PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).
- FSH > 40 IU/L in young women with absent periods suggests primary ovarian insufficiency (early menopause).
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