Follicle-stimulating hormone( follitropin) is a pituitary hormone that is responsible for reproductive work in the body. Thanks to FSH, men develop and work capacity of seminiferous tubules and testes, and also it strengthens spermatogenesis. This hormone is synthesized in the anterior pituitary gland. It increases testosterone in the blood, ensures the maturation of spermatozoa, produces a protein that binds the sex hormones.
Norm of the hormone
Sometimes the level of follitropin may change due to the production of testosterone. FSH is produced in the blood in a pulsed mode, that is, not continuously. There are seasonal fluctuations in the concentration of the hormone in the blood. So, for example, in the summer in men the hormone is produced more than in other seasons. At children from the moment of a birth the level of secretion increases, after 6 months starts to decrease gradually. Then foliotropin is increased, before puberty. In sexually mature men, the indices of follicle-stimulating hormone normally do not change.
In addition, the following factors influence the secretion produced by the rule:
- sperm production rate and their number,
- age,
- concomitant diseases,
- stress,
- medications that enhance or lower testosterone production,
- bad habits,
- genetic abnormalities of the reproductive system.
Laboratory parameters of FSH norm in men:
- up to 1 year - not less than 3.5 mU / l;
- from 1 to 5 years - up to 1.45 mU / l;
- from 6 to 10 years - up to 3.04 mU / l;
- from 11 to 14 years - from 0.36 to 6.29 mU / l;
- from 15 to 20 years - from 0.49 to 9.98 mU / l;
- is over 21 years old - from 0,95 to 11,95 mU / l.
Diagnosis
An analysis of the level of follitropin is prescribed by the andrologist, endocrinologist, reproductive specialist, pediatrician.
Abnormalities in which follicle stimulating hormone tests are required:
- infertility,
- early or late puberty,
- decrease in sexual desire,
- impotence,
- decrease in one or two testes,
- suspected abnormalities in the pituitary,
- slowed growth.
Before submitting the analysis for reliable indicators, the following is assumed:
- , 3 days before blood donation, you must give up training,
- one day before blood collection refuse alcohol and sexual intercourse,
- 2 days prior to analysis do not use hormones,
- one hour before diagnosisdo not smoke,
- is not 10 - 14 hours,
- to exclude fatty food at the evening meal.
Compared to women, men can take serum from blood any day. The analysis is taken from the vein 3 times for every 30 minutes. This will reliably confirm the norm or expected deviations in the development of secretion by the doctor. The hormone in the body of a man stands out in an impulsive mode, so the laboratory calculates the average. If you do not adhere to the rules before handing over the tests, the research can reveal false information. This will lead to incorrect therapy.
The produced follicle-stimulating hormone is closely related to LH, progesterone, estradiol and testosterone. Therefore, it is recommended to do tests simultaneously for several hormones. At the slightest deviations of the hormone from the norm, it is necessary to undergo examination, find out the reason for further therapy.
Reasons for reduced FSH
Low secretion may indicate the following:
- abnormal endocrine system operation,
- surgery, tumor and injury to the pituitary,
- Shereshevsky-Turner and Klinefelter syndrome,
- obesity,
- alcoholism,
- anorexia,
- chronic pancreatic disease,
- administration of hormonal or anticonvulsant drugs for a long time,
- sugardiabetes,
- lead poisoning,
- Symmonds disease,
- persistent depression stresses.
Causes of increased FSH
High levels of follicle-stimulating hormone occur when:
- pituitary tumors,
- congenital abnormalities of the reproductive system,
- traumatism and postoperative testicular complications,
- frequent alcohol intoxication,
- agenesis of testes,
- cryptorchidism,
- chronic bronchial obstruction,
- inflammatory process of genitalorgans,
- receiving drugs that increase secretion,
- orchitis,
- X-ray,
- genital dysfunction.
Also, high rates can indicate puberty in children.
Treatment of
In case of increased follitropin, the doctor prescribes concomitant medication. The patient is prescribed the necessary hormonal medications that correct the hormonal balance. If the increase in FSH levels in men is based on a disease that provoked the disorder, they eliminate the conditioned pathology. When the cause of the violation of the norm of phyllotropin is x-ray irradiation, the release of follicle-stimulating hormone is restored from 6 months to 1 year.
If FSH is lowered, it will be necessary to eliminate the cause of the deviation. To do this, additional tests can be prescribed. With tumors, surgical intervention is possible.
Do not forget that the hormonal background affects the whole body. At the slightest imbalance, serious deviations in the system and organs can occur. In some situations, it is only necessary to adjust nutrition and lifestyle.
Prevention of
Even minor deviations of any secreted hormone from the norm can affect the working capacity of the body, provoking a deterioration in well-being. As with any hormonal imbalance, and in diseases it is easier to protect yourself from the problem than to perform long-term therapy, especially when the form is started. In this there is nothing complicated. Every person who cares about his health and thinks about the continuation of the family must abide by the sleep regime, do not abuse harmful habits, eat right, avoid stressful situations. These factors will help to avoid many pathologies, including hormonal failure.
