A glycoprotein-derived hormone produced by the anterior pituitary is called follicle-stimulating. Its function is associated with the regulation and control of reproductive function.
Effect of
Follicle-stimulating hormone is found in both men and women. In the male body, he is responsible for the maturation of spermatozoa, the development of the seminiferous tubules and testes. In women, this hormone is responsible for the production of estrogen from testosterone, the formation of follicles and the synthesis of estrogen. Depending on the phase of the cycle, the FSH presence is different.
Dependence of generation on the phase of
The first day of the cycle marks the beginning of the development of estrogen, the function of which is to stimulate the maturation of the follicle. The production of FSH on the first day is minimal. On the second and third day, the level of FSH in the blood reaches a maximum and again goes down to the middle of the cycle.
The first day of menstruation starts the so-called follicular phase. During this period, follicles ripen, one of which stands out on day 5-6 and continues development. In the next two weeks, the egg ripens in it. To pass from the maturation of the follicle to ovulation, FSH is produced in the body. At the end of ovulation, if conception is not completed, the yellow body formed by the follicle is destroyed and the luteal phase begins.
Why is this necessary?
FSH, luteotropin, prolactin - determine the status of hormonal status in women. Its definition provides an opportunity to find out the causes of hormonal imbalance, leading to cycle disorders, infertility, skin problems and other diseases.
The level of FSH in the blood during the maturation of follicles in women is in the range 2.8-11.3 mU / L, ovulation - 5.8-21 mU / L, luteal phase - 1.2-9 mU / L.The rate of follicle-stimulating hormone in the blood of men is 1.37-13.58 mU / L.
Diagnosis according to the indicators of
If the blood levels in women are underestimated, symptoms appear in the form of scanty menstruation, a decrease in sexual desire, less pronounced hair growth in the intimate zone. A more serious consequence is the absence of the ovulatory period, infertility and atrophy of the genital organs.
The reason for the low rate may be overweight, obesity, polycystic ovary, impaired functioning in the hypothalamus. With the development of pregnancy, hormone production decreases, so it will be advisable to have an additional hormone on hCG if the woman is in reproductive age.
The reason for the decline in men is the lack of spermatogenesis, the development of impotence, atrophy of the testicles, abnormalities in the pituitary gland.
The increased amount of the hormone in the blood in women with menopause does not indicate a violation. The increase, not associated with menopause, is accompanied by uterine bleeding, the absence of menstruation. The cause is:
- abnormalities in the functioning of the ovaries,
- endometrial cyst,
- alcoholism,
- oncological diseases in the pituitary.
In men, the cause is:
- disorders in the functioning of the gonads,
- excess progesterone,
- disorders in renal function,
- tumors in the pituitary gland.
Influence of other hormones
When taking a blood test for hormonal status, not only the level of follicle-stimulating hormone is determined, an important indicator is also luteinizing hormone. Their ratio determines the possibility of developing pregnancy at different stages of a woman's life. The ratio is determined by dividing the amount of luteotropin by the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone.
Before the puberty period, these hormones are observed in almost identical amounts, their ratio is one. At the beginning of menstruation and before menopause, the ratio should be 1.5-2.
If these indicators are overstated, this indicates depletion of ovarian function, pituitary cancer or polycystic disease.
The production of FSH is also affected by prolactin, suppressing its amount during pregnancy. If the index of follicle-stimulating hormone decreased during pregnancy, we can conclude about its healthy flow and successful lactation in the future.
Preparation for
The assay is performed using venous blood. To decipher the results was not erroneous, it is recommended not to eat food three hours before the analysis, avoid overstrain emotionally and physically in the day before taking blood. When taking hormonal drugs, it is necessary to agree with the doctor a temporary discontinuation of reception two days before the analysis.
The study can be used to determine the causes of infertility, menopause, the diagnosis of late or early sexual development, while monitoring the effectiveness of therapy with the use of hormones.
Important recommendations
- Analysis should be submitted on day 7 of the cycle. If decoding is found in understated values, the procedure should be repeated, since the hormone is produced impulsively.
- A reduced value for repeat analysis may also indicate pregnancy. Elevated - the beginning of menopause at the hormonal level.
- Nicotine distorts the data, because smoking for 3 hours before taking blood is not recommended.
- During pregnancy, the day for the test should be discussed with a doctor who monitors the condition of the expectant mother. Perhaps, it will need to be repeated several times to determine the action of prolactin, no violations are indicative of this.
