Biomarkers

Follicle Stimulating Hormone

FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone, plays a key role in reproductive health by regulating ovarian and testicular functions. Managing FSH levels is crucial for diagnosing conditions like PCOS, menopause, and infertility.

What is Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)?

FSH is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary, a gland located at the base of the brain. It plays a central role in sexual development and reproduction.

Production process:

  • Hypothalamus : Produces gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland.
  • Anterior Pituitary : Releases FSH, which circulates through the bloodstream to reach the reproductive organs, where it exerts its effects.

Functions of FSH

The functions of FSH vary by age and gender.

For women:

  1. Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle:
    • Stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles containing immature eggs.
    • Helps in the maturation of eggs for ovulation.
    • Works with other hormones to synchronize ovulation
  2. Estrogen production:
    • Promotes the production of estrogens to thicken the uterine lining in preparation for pregnancy.
    • High estrogen levels regulate FSH and trigger ovulation.

For men:

  • Stimulates testicular cells to support sperm production (spermatogenesis).
  • Works in coordination with testosterone to ensure healthy sperm production.

For children:

  • Girls : Triggers breast development, body hair, and the start of menstrual cycles.
  • Boys : Promotes hair growth, voice deepening, and testicle and penis enlargement.

Fetal Development:

  • In the fetus, FSH plays an essential role in the early development of the sexual organs.

Diagnosis of FSH levels

FSH tests:

  • Blood tests : The main method for measuring FSH levels, often included in a hormonal test.
    • In women, the test is usually done on the third day of the menstrual cycle to assess ovarian reserve.
  • Urine tests : Used at home, mainly to monitor fertility or menopause. However, blood tests are still more accurate.

Importance of Test Timing:

  • Day 3 of the Cycle : Evaluation of ovarian reserve. A high FSH level may indicate a decrease in ovarian reserve.
  • Middle of the cycle : Provides information on preparing the body for pregnancy.

Normal FSH levels

Normal levels vary by age, gender, and reproductive stage.

Typical FSH levels (mIU/ml):

  1. Before Puberty:
    • Women: 0 to 4.0
    • Men: 0 to 5.0
  2. During Puberty:
    • Women: 0.3 to 10.0
    • Men: 0.3 to 10.0
  3. Adults:
    • Women :
      • Menstruating: 4.7 to 21.5
      • Post-menopausal: 25.8 to 134.8
    • Hommes : 1.5 to 12.4

Note: Normal ranges may vary slightly between laboratories.

Conditions Associated with Abnormal FSH Levels

High FSH levels

Causes:
  1. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) : Ovarian dysfunction associated with irregular cycles.
  2. Klinefelter syndrome (men) : A genetic anomaly causing testicular failure.
  3. Turner syndrome (women) : A chromosomal anomaly leading to ovarian failure.
Symptoms:
  • Women :
    • Irregular menstrual cycles or lack of periods.
    • Menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, vaginal dryness).
    • Difficulties in conceiving.
  • Hommes :
    • Low sperm count or infertility.
    • Absence of secondary sexual characteristics.

Low FSH levels

Causes:
  1. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism : GnRH or FSH deficiency.
  2. Kallmann syndrome : A genetic disorder that delays or prevents puberty.
Symptoms:
  • Women :
    • Delayed or absent puberty.
    • Irregular or absent menstrual cycles.
    • Infertility.
  • Hommes :
    • Delayed puberty.
    • Reduced sperm production.
    • Insufficient development of secondary sexual characteristics.

Complementary Tests and Treatments

Complementary tests:

  • LH test : Assesses luteinizing hormone levels for a comprehensive assessment of reproductive health.
  • Estradiol test : Helps to interpret FSH levels in women.
  • Imaging (ultrasound, MRI) : Detects abnormalities in the ovaries or pituitary.
  • Genetic tests : Identify conditions such as Turner or Klinefelter syndromes.

Treatments:

  1. Diet and Physical Activity :
    • Eat a diet rich in essential nutrients.
    • Engage in regular physical activity to improve hormonal balance.
  2. Hormonal therapies :
    • For high levels: Drugs to lower FSH.
    • For low levels: Hormones replacement or hormonal stimulation.
  3. Stress Management and Sleep : Techniques such as yoga or meditation to support hormonal production.

Next steps:

  • Consult a doctor : Discuss your results for accurate interpretation and tailored recommendations.
  • Online tools : Upload your results to medical platforms like Docus AI for personalized analysis.
  • Treatment Plan : Follow recommendations to maintain balanced FSH levels and improve reproductive health.