i-Chroma FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone)

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is one of the gonadotrophic hormones, the other being luteinizing hormone (LH). Both are released by the pituitary gland into the bloodstream. FSH is one of the hormones essential to pubertal development and the function of women’s ovaries and men’s testes. In women, this hormone stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles in the ovary before the release of an egg from one follicle at ovulation. FSH also increases estradiol production. In men, follicle stimulating hormone acts on the Sertoli cells of the testes to stimulate sperm production (spermatogenesis).The production and release of FSH is properly regulated by the levels of a number of circulating hormones released by the ovaries and testes (oestrogen, testosterone, etc).

If the gonads fail to create enough oestrogen, testosterone and/or inhibin, the correct feedback control of follicle stimulating hormone production from the pituitary gland is lost and the levels of both follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone will rise.

A  lack of follicle stimulating hormone leads to incomplete development at puberty and poor ovarian function (ovarian failure). In this situation ovarian follicles do not grow properly and do not release an egg, thus leading to infertility

Detection Range 1~100 mIU/mL
Sample Type Serum, Plasma
CV <10%
Normal Range Follicular Phase  3-11 mIU/ml

Mid cycle  6-21 mIU/ml

Reaction Time 15 Min