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What Are Follicle Stimulating Hormones?

Follicle-stimulating hormone, also known as FSH, is essential in the development and proper functioning of the reproductive system and its related organs. FSH plays a number of important roles in the bodies of both men and women; imbalances in the amount of FSH---too much or too little---has been linked with a variety of disorders and health problems.

  1. Definition

    • Follicle-stimulating hormone is a protein hormone produced by the pituitary gland. The pituitary is stimulated into FSH production by the presence of GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone), a hormone released by the hypothalamus at the start of puberty in both males and females. After GnRH stimulation, the pituitary releases LH (luteinizing hormone) along with FSH, and together, the two promote the development of sperm and eggs in the testes and the ovaries.

    Function

    • FSH (along with LH) is responsible for initiating and regulating a woman's production of eggs as well as her menstrual cycle. In men, FSH is essential for the production of sperm and in the maintenance of the functioning of the testes. FSH levels routinely increase and decrease in women as it controls the menstrual cycle, however, the levels typically remain constant in men from puberty. Abnormally high or low levels of FSH are indicative of a variety of possible reproductive problems.

    High FSH levels

    • Unusually high amounts of FSH released by the pituitary gland can be an indicator of a number of health problems, most of which directly involve the reproductive organs. These problems include premature menopause, or testicles or ovaries that are developmentally unable to produce sperm or eggs.

    Low FSH levels

    • Consistently low FSH levels can be indicative of a number of other problems, including a possible tumor in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland or the inability of the ovaries or the testicles to produce sex hormones such as testosterone or estrogen.

    FSH tests

    • Testing an individual's FSH levels can help diagnose reproductive system problems. FSH tests are routinely used by physicians to determine if a couple having difficulty conceiving a child has abnormally low egg or sperm numbers. The test is also helpful in evaluating menstrual problems and delayed or early onset puberty.

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