Test Code 1122
Test Details
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
FSH is one of the gonadotropins of the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the growth and maturity of graafian follicles in the ovary and spermatogenesis in the testes.
Methodology
Immunoassay – Sandwich principle
Patient Preparation
None
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum) collected in serum separator tube (SST / Tiger Top)
Alternate Specimen
Dried Blood collected on an AdvanceDx 100 card
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
Refrigerated: 14 days
Lab Values
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Female
| Age/Phase | Optimal |
| <5 yrs | Not Established |
| 5 – 9 yrs | 0.3 – 11.1 mlU/mL |
| 10 – 12 yrs | 2.1 – 11.1 mlU/mL |
| 13 – 16 yrs | 1.6 – 17.0 mlU/mL |
| Folliculaar | 3.5 – 12.5 mlU/mL |
| Ovulation | 4.7 – 21.5 mlU/mL |
| Luteal | 1.7 – 7.7 mlU/mL |
| Postmenopause | 25.8 – 134 mlU/mL |
Male
| Age/Phase | Optimal |
| <5 yrs | Not Established |
| 5 – 9 yrs | 0.4 – 3.8 mlU/mL |
| 10 – 12 yrs | 0.4 – 4.6 mlU/mL |
| 13 – 16 yrs | 1.5 – 12.9 mlU/mL |
| >16 yrs | 1.5 – 12.4 mlU/mL |
Clinical Significance
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
- FSH is used to assess for dysfunctions within the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal system1-4
- FSH in conjunction with LH is used for the following indications:1-4
- Menopausal syndrome
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Testosterone deficiency
- Amenorrhea (causes)
- Congenital diseases with chromosomal aberrations
- These assays no longer show biotin interference in serum concentrations up to 1200 ng/mL.
References:
- Bhasin S, Cunningham GR, Hayes FJ, et al. Testosterone therapy in men with androgen deficiency syndromes: Endocrine Society clinical practice guidelines. J Clin Endorcinol Metab. 2010;95(6):2536-2559.
- Santen RJ, Allred DC, Ardoin SP, et al. Postmenopausal hormone therapy: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(7 Suppl 1):s1-s66.
- Kopper NW, Gudeman J, Thompson DJ. Transdermal hormone therapy in postmenopausal women: a review of the metabolic eff ects and drug delivery technologies. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2008;2:193-202.
- Goodman N, Cobin RH. Reproductive disorders. In: Camacho PM, Gharib H, Sizemore GW, eds. Evidence-Based Endocrinology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2012:190-228.
Treatment Options
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
- Identify etiology of elevated or decreased FSH levels with physical assessment and additional diagnostic tests as indicated
- Treatment is based on the etiology of abnormal hormone levels
