Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, or FSH, is produced by the pituitary gland and plays a role in controlling the ovaries’ production of eggs. When a woman is trying to become pregnant and facing difficulties with conceiving, her obstetrician may want to do a follicle-stimulating test to see how much FSH is in her blood sample. This could give her (and the doctor) answers to any infertility questions and concerns, and lead them in a more positive direction in terms of conceiving a baby (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone).
How FSH Works
In women, the follicle-stimulating hormone works by pairing with another gonadotrophic hormone (the luteinizing hormone) and is released by the pituitary gland. Once it gets into the bloodstream it helps in development of puberty and the reproductive organs in women. Ovarian follicles are stimulated in women prior to the egg being released from a follicle. Regulating the ovaries and testicles’ function, FSH is vital to the fertility of men and women (You and Your Hormones).
What FSH Testing Explains
Given to both women and men, FSH testing gives and explanation of the shows the quantity of the follicle-stimulating hormone, as well as luteinizing hormone, estrogen, and progesterone. Once the hormone quantities are measured by the test, it can show why a couple are having difficulty with fertility. FSH testing can also be used to determine the cause of other issues, such as irregular periods or heavy menstruation.
If you and your partner have been trying for over a year to conceive, your obstetrician or gynecologist may suggest having an FSH test. If this occurs, be sure to listen to the physician’s instructions on how to prepare your body before the test (what medications to avoid, etc.) so you can get an accurate result. This test will shed more light on your situation and give you the answers you need so you can move forward in your quest for conception.
“Follicle-Stimulating Hormone.” WebMD. Healthwise, Inc., 12 Mar. 2014. Web. 14 Jan. 2016. http://www.webmd.com/women/follicle-stimulating-hormone?page=1
“You & Your Hormones.” You & Your Hormones. Society for Endocrinology, 7 Jan. 2015. Web. 16 Jan. 2016. <http://www.yourhormones.info/hormones/follicle_stimulating_hormone.aspx>