Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Quick answer
What is Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)?
FSH drives spermatogenesis in men. Read alongside LH and total T. High FSH with low T points to primary hypogonadism; low FSH alongside low T points to a pituitary/hypothalamic cause.
- Units:
- IU/L
- Reference range:
- 1.5-12.4 IU/L (men)
- Sample:
- Venous blood (serum)
- Category
- Hormones
- Units
- IU/L
- Reference range
- 1.5-12.4 IU/L (men)
What does a high Follicle-Stimulating Hormone result mean?
Primary testicular failure, Klinefelter, prior chemotherapy or orchitis, advanced ageing.
What does a low Follicle-Stimulating Hormone result mean?
Secondary hypogonadism, hyperprolactinaemia, pituitary lesion, anabolic steroid use (axis suppression).
Why does Follicle-Stimulating Hormone matter?
Fertility work-ups always include FSH. Hypogonadism diagnosis depends on it.
FAQs
- Is FSH important if I'm not trying to conceive?
- Yes — it's part of classifying any low-T picture and rules out pituitary causes.
References
- [1]Testosterone Therapy in Men with Hypogonadism: Endocrine Society Clinical Practice GuidelineEndocrine Society / JCEM (2018)
- [2]Diagnosis and Management of Male Late-Onset HypogonadismPubMed / J Clin Endocrinol Metab
Want Follicle-Stimulating Hormone interpreted in the context of your full panel? Every FORM bloodwork tier covers it, with an MD walking you through the result.
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