What is FSH Test?

Written by Jessica Smith

Thursday, 15 October 2009

This is a blood test that measures the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) produced by the pituitary gland. Who is a candidate for the test? Fertility in men and women, as well as menstruation in women, are regulated by a complex interaction of hormones. The ovaries, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus produce these hormones. Follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, causes the follicles within the ovaries to mature. FSH levels may be measured if the healthcare provider suspects a problem with: - menopause, a time in life when menstruation stops - ovarian cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs on the ovary - precocious puberty, or puberty that happens at an abnormally young age - delayed puberty, or puberty that hasn't occurred by the time it should - female infertility, or inability to become pregnant - male infertility, or the inability to impregnate a woman - anovulatory bleeding, which is abnormal vaginal bleeding not related to a regular menstruation cycle - amenorrhea, or the absence of menstruation - testes that are absent or abnormally small How is the test performed? A blood sample is taken from a vein on the forearm or hand. First, the skin over the vein is cleaned with an antiseptic. Next, a strong rubber tube, or "tourniquet," is wrapped around the upper arm. This enlarges the veins in the lower arm by restricting blood flow through them. A fine needle is gently inserted into a vein, and the tourniquet is removed. Blood flows from the vein through the needle, and is collected in a syringe or vial. After the needle is withdrawn, the puncture site is covered for a short time to prevent bleeding. The blood sample is sent to the laboratory to determine the amount of FSH circulating in the blood.