FSH - Function and Importance in Reproductive Health

FSH stands for Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, which is a vital hormone in the human body responsible for the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles in females and sperm production in males. FSH levels are crucial in reproductive function.
Category
Hormone
Where to get
Produced naturally in the body and tested through blood tests in medical facilities.
Applicable for
Fertility | Reproductive Health | Menopause
Prepared by Nick Harper, reviewed by Dr. David James Simpson

FSH FAQ


Image credit: aaiclinics.com

What is follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)?

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plays an integral role in reproductive processes. Doctors can test FSH levels to assess fertility, among other things In people assigned female at birth, FSH helps mature the ovarian follicles that release eggs, called ova.

What is the structure of FSH?

(March 2022) FSH is a 35.5 kDa glycoprotein heterodimer, consisting of two polypeptide units, alpha and beta. Its structure is similar to those of luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

What is FSH medical abbreviation?

A: The FSH medical abbreviation is short for follicle-stimulating hormone. Q: What is the definition of FSH? A: FSH is a gonadotropin – a type of hormone produced by gonadotroph cells at the front of the pituitary gland.

What is a FSH test used for?

In children and teens, FSH testing is most often used to find out if a medical disorder is causing early or delayed (late) puberty. An FSH test is often used with a blood test for another hormone made in the pituitary gland called luteinizing hormone (LH). These two hormones work together to control sexual development and reproduction.

What is FSH & why is it important?

A hormone is a chemical messenger in your bloodstream that controls the actions of certain cells or organs. FSH plays an important role in sexual development in children and fertility in adults. In women who menstruate (have periods), FSH helps control the menstrual cycle.

FSH References

If you want to know more about FSH, consider exploring links below:

What Is FSH

  1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317746
  2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24638-follicle-stimulating-hormone-fsh
  3. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/follicle-stimulating-hormone-fsh-levels-test/
  4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Follicle-stimulating_hormone
  5. https://www.yourhormones.info/hormones/follicle-stimulating-hormone/
  6. https://www.verywellhealth.com/fsh-levels-5218679
  7. https://ada.com/hormones/follicle-stimulating-hormone/
  8. https://www.healthline.com/health/fsh
  9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535442/
  10. https://www.webmd.com/women/fsh-test

FSH Information

  1. https://labs.selfdecode.com/blog/follicle-stimulating-hormone/
  2. https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/fsh-test

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