FSH 1 8 which means in a teenager. What is FSH, the norm of follicle-stimulating hormone in women and men, analysis

By structure, it is a heterodimer, which, like LH, consists of two subunits (alpha and beta). The alpha subunit of follicle-stimulating hormone is similar to the alpha subunits of other hormones - luteinizing (LH), chorionic gonadotropin(CG), thyrotropic (TSH), secreted by the thyroid gland, FSH glycoproteins. FSH is distinguished by its beta subunit, which contains two carbon chains linked by asparagine. The beta subunit determines physiological and immunological specificity.

IN female body FSH affects the production of other biologically active substances. Their concentration is regulated by negative feedback- FSH together with LH stimulates the production of estrogen, progesterone, the concentration of FSH in the blood depends on the secretion of estradiol and progesterone. The entry of FSH into the blood occurs impulsively. In the hypothalamus, GnRH is secreted in a pulsatory manner, then GnRH enters anterior section adenohypophysis, influencing gonadotropic cells - GnRH receptors are located in the membranes of these cells. The response of gonadotropic cells is the secretion of LH and FSH.

The activity of follicle-stimulating hormone begins when the subunits combine to form a dimer. Its receptors are located in target cells, in the intracellular domain. The effect of follicle-stimulating hormone on the body begins when it binds to the receptors of target cells. Any disorders that have arisen in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenals-ovaries communication chain can lead to a failure in the synthesis of hormones, to a change in the function of the gonads. Reproductive pathologies can be caused genetic disorders, gene mutations.

When an analysis is carried out on the level of sex hormones, not only the level of each individually is taken into account, but also their ratio. The ratio of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones is an indicator of a woman's ability to conceive, the functional ability of the ovaries. This ratio in a woman is constantly changing, it depends on the phase menstrual cycle. The normal ratio of these compounds in men stimulates the work of the gonads, is responsible for spermatogenesis, the production of high-quality, timely maturing spermatozoa. From hormonal balance the health of the reproductive system of men and women depends.

Decreased FSH in women

In women, it is responsible for proper development genital organs, fertility, for triggering the growth of the follicle and its maturation, for the qualitative maturation of the egg. Its concentration in the blood varies depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle - it increases in the middle of the menstrual cycle, along with LH and estradiol, causing ovulation at the peak of growth. Then the level of follicle-stimulating hormone falls. It is believed that ovarian granulosa cells partially influence its synthesis. Level disturbances, if FSH is lowered or elevated - manifests itself as symptoms of reproductive dysfunction, feeling unwell, development various diseases.

Low FSH in women is manifested by the following symptoms:

Stunted growth in girls
Infantilism
Delayed development of secondary sexual characteristics
Failure in the maturation of the follicles and the release of the egg
Infertility
Genital organs atrophy (volume decreases) mammary glands, genitals)
Menstruation becomes scanty

Violation of the growth and maturation of the follicle can be caused by several reasons:

Lack of target cell response
Lack of secretion (low or no FSH)
Change in gonadotropin activity

A mutation in the beta subunit of the FSH hormone produces a beta polypeptide that is unable to bind to the alpha unit, resulting in no production of the active hormone. Women with an abnormality (isolated FSH) are born without visible violations in the structure of the external and internal genital organs. The first symptoms of the disorder appear at the onset of puberty - primary amenorrhea, postmenopausal levels of luteinizing hormone are detected. At reproductive age, infertility is diagnosed. A heterozygous mutation is manifested by the irregularity of the menstrual cycle, infertility. For women, an analysis for follicle-stimulating hormone is prescribed:

in case of miscarriage,
infertility,
lack of ovulation
irregular ovulation,
menstrual disorders,
obesity
uterine bleeding,
polycystic ovary syndrome,
decreased libido,
chronic inflammatory processes in the genitals
endometriosis,
hypofunction of the sex glands.

Decreased concentration in women with hyperprolactinemia, ovarian wasting, lead poisoning, during pregnancy, Kallman syndrome, hemochromatosis, dwarfism, anorexia, ovarian tumors, when taking certain types of medicines, after ovulation, with hypothalamic-pituitary insufficiency, hypofunction thyroid gland, adrenal.

Decreased FSH in men

This state manifests itself bad quality sperm, the absence of sperm in the semen, atrophy of the genital organs and a decrease in the function of the gonads (a decrease in testicular volume, a decrease in testosterone production). In men, as well as in women, it has big influence on the work of the sex glands - it activates the generative and hormone-forming functions of the sex glands. It affects the germinative function of the testis, affects the epitheliospermatogenic layer of testicular tissues.

The effect of FSH occurs in interaction with LH according to the principle of negative feedback - hormones regulate the germinal function of the testis, peptide inhibins have a depressant effect on the follicle-stimulating function of the pituitary gland. There is a decrease in the effect of follicle-stimulating hormone on the testes, but the effect of luteinizing hormone on the testes continues. Peptide inhibins regulate the ratio of LH and FSH when they affect testicular function. Violation of the negative feedback mechanism, various diseases (secondary hypogonadism, hypothalamic hypofunction, cancer prostate, sickle cell anemia, anorexia nervosa, hemochromatosis) are characterized by low FSH. It can manifest itself in men with the following symptoms:

Decreased libido
Decreased potency
Impotence
Reducing the volume of the genital organs
Violation of spermatogenesis
Infertility
growth retardation

Why is low FSH dangerous in children?

The level of follicle-stimulating hormone in newborns is increased: in boys, FSH will be reduced six months after birth, in girls - closer to two years of age. In children, it affects normal development genital organs, growth of the child. Low FSH can be caused by various genetic disorders, diseases of the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and other causes.

How to Treat Low FSH

Violations that occur require immediate medical attention. Depending on the cause of the disease, you should contact an endocrinologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist, reproductologist. Most common problem that occurs with low FSH is a violation of the reproductive function of a man or woman. Very often, with such violations, one has to resort to a program in vitro fertilization(ECO).

The IVF Center clinic in Arkhangelsk treats reproductive disorders associated with hormone imbalance. If FSH is low, clinic specialists will prescribe full examination to identify the cause of the violation, they will treat the disease.

IN Lately the fair sex is increasingly faced with various pathologies of the reproductive system. In this regard, women often take blood tests for various markers including hormones. One of the important components of both female and male body is a follicle stimulating hormone.

How does the hormone work?

This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. Follicle-stimulating hormone in women is responsible for the normal maturation of the follicles and the full development of the egg. Thanks to him, the fair sex can conceive and give birth to a child.

This substance is produced in the maximum number in the first phase of the cycle, before ovulation. When the follicle has grown and released the egg, the follicle-stimulating hormone begins to decrease in its concentration, reaching a minimum in last days before the next menstruation. When the next bleeding occurs, everything happens anew: the amount of the substance grows, helping the follicles to develop.

What is the analysis for?

Due to some diseases or for other reasons, the follicle-stimulating hormone begins to deviate from the norm. In this case, its smaller or, conversely, greater production occurs. It was then that a woman begins to feel that not everything is normal in her body.

Usually, when the patient complains, the doctor writes out a referral for analysis. This is necessary in order to find out the state of the hormonal background and, if necessary, prescribe the appropriate treatment. Also, a similar study is carried out in the following cases:

With infertility.
To find out what phase a woman is in.
To determine the presence of various sexual dysfunctions.

Follicle-stimulating hormone in men shows the condition and number of spermatozoa.

How is the research done?

If the patient is taking any hormonal drugs, then two days before the scheduled study, they must be canceled. Just like any other blood test, the study of this type of hubbub is carried out strictly on an empty stomach. It is better if the sampling of material will be carried out in the morning.

An analysis for follicle-stimulating hormone is prescribed on the fifth or twentieth day of the menstrual cycle. Sleep well the night before donating blood. You should also stop drinking alcohol and not smoking.

Venous blood is always used for research. It is in it that the concentration of the hormone reaches its maximum.

Follicle stimulating hormone: normal

It should be noted that at the time of birth, a significant increase in the level of this substance is observed in a person. Its concentration gradually decreases and reaches its norm by six months in male children and by two years in girls. Before the onset of puberty and a change in the work of the pituitary gland, the follicle-stimulating hormone is equal to the luteinizing hormone. That is why it is customary to study these substances simultaneously.

In men, the follicle-stimulating hormone, the norm of which is from 1.5 to 12.4 mIU / ml, always has slightly lower values than in the fair sex. This speaks of normal functioning reproductive system and fertility. With various deviations from the standard values, disorders of the reproductive system can be observed. That is why it is also important for men to keep follicle-stimulating hormone under control.

The norm in women of this substance varies depending on the day of the menstrual cycle. During the period of menstruation, the amount of the hormone is in the range from 2.8 to 12.5 mIU / ml. Further, every day its growth in the female body is observed. By the time the egg is released from the mature follicle, the amount of the hormone is from 4.7 to 21.5 mIU / ml.

After reaching its peak, the production of a substance begins to gradually decrease. Accordingly, the follicle-stimulating hormone has other meanings in this period. The norm in women can vary from 1.2 to 9 mIU / ml.

How does the hormone behave during menopause?

It should be noted that in the period before menopause and after its onset, the follicle-stimulating hormone is increased. This is a variant of the norm and does not require medical correction. During this period, the amount of the substance can range from 25.8 to 134. mIU / ml. Despite the fact that the production of this substance is increasing, it is necessary to ensure that it does not go beyond the limits of normal values.

Increasing the level of FSH production

In some cases, when deciphering the results of the study, it may turn out that the follicle-stimulating hormone is elevated. What can it say? There are several reasons for the excess of this substance in a woman's body.

As it has already become known, a significant increase in the concentration of FSH in the blood occurs during menopause. It can also be seen in excess various pathologies female ovaries, for example, with some tumor formations, with hormonal diseases, with exhaustion and other syndromes.

Also, with different external influences follicle-stimulating hormone may be elevated, for example, with infections, exposure to radiation or radiation therapy, when taking chemicals and bad habits.

High level substance is observed in women with various tumors pituitary. It also increases with early puberty.

Decreased FSH levels

In some cases, the picture is completely opposite. When deciphering the analyzes, the doctor discovers that the patient's result deviates somewhat from the normal values downwards. There are reasons for this as well.

With a delay in growth or development, the level of follicle-stimulating hormone is quite low. During the progression of various diseases of the brain and pituitary gland, there is also a lack of FSH. With various tumor processes that provoke the production of male hormones, a low concentration of the substance in question can be observed. The same happens when receiving additional drugs containing androgens or testosterone.

Deviations from normal values in men

Just like women, men can get test results that do not fit within the standard range. If the representatives of the stronger sex have an increase or decrease in the level of FSH production, this may indicate the following:

testicular insufficiency.
Testicular agenesis or aplasia.
Progressive tumor processes in the testicles.
Absence of male organs.

Deviation correction

In the event that there is some failure in the body and is not produced in required quantity follicle-stimulating hormone, treatment must be carried out without fail. First you need to find out the cause of the malfunction. hormonal system. Only then can appropriate therapy be prescribed and corrected.

Quite often, after treating the cause, the doctor prescribes hormonal correction. It consists in taking oral contraceptives, which for some time block the work of the ovaries and restore hormonal background.

In order for the result obtained to give the most clear picture of the state of the body, it is recommended to conduct a study of the level of FSH along with an analysis of the amount of LH. These two hormones interact continuously. If their ratio is violated, then there may be some problems in the functioning of the reproductive system.

It is necessary to take an analysis to determine the level of FSH at least twice. A single study may not give a clear picture, as a result of which the wrong treatment may be prescribed.

Also, when deciphering the result, it is necessary to pay attention to normal values. In different laboratories, the digital range of the level of follicle-stimulating hormone may differ. It is impossible to decipher the results of one laboratory according to the norms of another. In most cases, when you receive an analysis, your result and the numerical values \u200b\u200bof the laboratory norms are indicated on the form.

Watch your hormones and be healthy!

Follitropin (follicle stimulating hormone or FSH) is a hormone that stimulates the development of follicles before ovulation begins. It is found in the venous blood of a woman reproductive age. Its concentration directly affects the usefulness of the woman's reproductive system.

When a representative of the fair sex, due to difficulties in conceiving, decides on IVF, an analysis to detect the level of FSH in the blood becomes her final stage. It is he who helps to determine at what stage of the cycle the female reproductive system fails, as well as to identify an excess or deficiency of the hormone in the blood. On this analysis, a woman can be sent by a gynecologist or endocrinologist.

In girls, in the absence of puberty, the content of follitropin is very low until the first menstrual bleeding. Up to this point, the level of follitropin is equal to the amount of LH (luteotropin, a peptide hormone secreted by the gonadotropic cells of the anterior pituitary gland).

In women, the ratio of LH and FSH in the follicular phase is in the direction of follicle-stimulating hormone. Along with it, the level of estrogen also rises. The effect of follitropin on the ovaries leads to the release of dominant follicle on the 5th day of the cycle. After it has gone through all the stages of maturation, the egg will be finally ready for fertilization. Also, estrogens directly affect the mucous surface of the uterus, preparing it for pregnancy.

The release of hormones LH, FSH occurs at the time of rupture of the follicle and the onset of ovulation. Next, the luteal phase follows, in which the main effect on the hormonal background is exerted by corpus luteum. It is formed at the site of a burst follicle. The corpus luteum synthesizes progesterone, suppressing the production of hormones by the pituitary gland. If there was no conception, the corpus luteum disappears and FSH undergoes a sharp increase.

What is FSH responsible for in a woman's body

It is important to know that FSH directly affects:

follicle growth;
increased production of estradiol;
increase in the sensitivity of the maturing cell to LH;
the production of estrogen;
maturation and formation of the egg.

That is why, before a planned pregnancy, it is very important to visit a high-quality specialist who, if necessary, will write out a referral for the three related tests: the level of prolactin, FSH and LH in a woman. This will allow timely identification of an emerging or existing disease. After that, the doctor will prescribe the most effective treatment.

Indications for testing for FSH levels

In women, hormonal levels change with age. It is very important to carefully observe and control it clearly. Otherwise, already in childbearing age, there may be a delay in puberty. And in more adulthood- Loss of libido and female beauty.

at the onset of menopause;
with exacerbation of endocrine diseases;
with gynecological abnormalities;
with an irregular menstrual cycle;
during infertility;
with early puberty;
with delayed puberty.

Preparation for testing

Before donating blood for LH and FSH, it is necessary to accurately determine the day of the menstrual cycle when it is planned to take the tests. Before the procedure, you should:

stop smoking and drinking alcohol for a day;
diligently avoid stress and excessive physical exertion;
take food shortly before the test;
5 days - stop taking antibiotics.

This procedure can be done several times. Usually, this occurs from the 3rd to the 6th day of menstruation.

Norms of the results of the analysis of follicle-stimulating hormone

FSH - the norm in women, according to the results of the analysis, directly depends on the phases of the cycle. At the same time, the specialist determines the age of the patient, the duration of pregnancy, if any, and possible gynecological abnormalities. So, if the patient has: cyclic failures, amenorrhea, menopause, or childhood before the onset of menstruation, then blood sampling for FSH is carried out on any day. If a woman does not have the listed moments, then the date of blood donation falls on the 3rd day of the cycle. Since this particular day is considered the most favorable and saturated with hormones.

Table of norms of analysis results by age criterion:

The norm of LH in the follicular phase in an 18-year-old girl varies from 1 to 11 mU / ml.
The norm of LH at the ovulatory phase of 18 in an 18-year-old girl varies from 17 to 77 mU / ml.

Relationship between FSH and LH

Luteinizing hormone is a complex protein produced by the cells of the pituitary gland.

It is important to know that it is the hormones LH and FSH that are responsible for a woman's fertility. That is why it is very important to support right attitude LH to FSH.

In girls, in the absence of puberty, the hormones FSH and LH are in equal proportions. And when the girl's reproductive system is finally formed, the ratio of LH to FSH will no longer be equal. At the same time, LH will exceed FSH by one and a half times.

The ratio of FSH and LH in the first phase of the menstrual cycle is characterized by the predominance of follitropin. While the ratio in the second phase is the predominance of LH.

According to calculations of biologically active substances, blood healthy woman must contain the following amount of hormones:

the ratio of LH and FSH in the follicular phase. Minimum values: 1.68 / 1.1 mU / ml.

Limit values: 15/9.8.

the ratio of hormones LH and FSH during ovulation. Minimum content: 22/6 mU/ml. Maximum content: 57/17.
LH and FSH in women in the luteal phase. Extremely low value within the norm: 0.6 / 1.08 mU / ml. Max high value: 16/9.
LH is the norm during menopause. Minimum content: 14 honey/ml. The maximum is 52.

Every woman has an age threshold - 36 years, after which the number and quality of eggs is sharply reduced. In such a situation, getting pregnant, both naturally and with the help of IVF, becomes very problematic. This is directly related to the imminent approach of menopause and a sharp decline in the ovarian reserve of the ovaries. Therefore, it is very important to decide the issue of pregnancy before reaching the age threshold.

In the event that it was not possible to conceive a baby, and the woman has a high level of FSH, doctors advise fertilization by implantation in the uterus donor egg. This technique helps to get pregnant more than 30% of women.

In order for the specialist to correctly calculate the balance of hormones in the patient's blood, there is a special formula for which such indications as progesterone, FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin and estradiol are required.

The ratio of FSH and LH in the first phase is very important! If FSH is significantly higher than normal, then a woman may have alarming symptoms. bloody issues. If LH is elevated in the first phase, then this indicates serious problems in work endocrine system. It is this factor that is main reason hormonal infertility!It is important to maintain the hormones FSH and LH in the normal range!

Deviation from the norm: causes, consequences

Too much hormone can lead to dangerous pathologies female reproductive system. Often, the reasons for deviations from the norm are:

ovarian failure;
atrophy of the mammary glands;
the presence or formation of cysts.

If the ratio of FSH and LH in the first phase or throughout the cycle is significantly less than normal, then with untimely treatment consequences such as:

lack of sexual desire;
pathologies in the development of the mammary glands;
scanty discharge during menstruation;
deviations in the development of internal genital organs;
pathology in the formation of external genital organs.

Treatment of these diseases is easiest in adolescence. At an older age, of course, it is possible to increase the level of hormones, but the negative consequences will no longer be avoided.

The level of hormones in the venous blood is affected by: dysfunction of the pituitary gland, wrong job hypothalamus, overweight, the presence of neoplasms in the pituitary gland and frequent stress.

A high concentration of LH in the blood of a woman indicates the presence hormonal disruptions, which is the first cause of the following diseases:

ovarian dysfunction;
infertility;
proliferation of the endometrium;
cyst formation.

In addition to the above, the following can help increase LH levels: long fasting, kidney failure, excessive physical exercise and dysfunction of the pituitary gland.

It is important to know what if on elevated level the body does not produce luteinizing hormone enough estrogen, the egg does not have time to mature and remains in the ovary. Over time, it turns into a cyst, the formation of which is often asymptomatic. Which can contribute to the accumulation of pus and lead to adhesions.

Rationing of indicators

If an increased surge or decline in LH, FSH hormones is associated with the onset of the menopause period, then experts prescribe a replacement course hormone therapy. In the standard, the patient is prescribed drugs containing progesterone and estrogen.

If FSH is higher than LH in the first phase, then this is quite normal. But if suddenly it turned out to be underestimated, then, often, patients are prescribed a diet for enhanced cholesterol synthesis. Suggested diet ingredients:

rabbit meat;
sea bass, flounder, shark meat;
tuna pulp;
pork;
butter;
milk;
eel meat;
halibut pulp.

At the same time, absolutely it is forbidden to eat chocolate, honey, beans, coffee and pasta.

The ratio of LH and FSH in the follicular phase must be maintained within normal limits in order to avoid disastrous consequences. This is especially true for women planning a pregnancy.

To lower the concentration of LH in the blood, medical specialist refer the patient to next row procedures:

visiting an endocrinologist to identify certain abnormalities and detect neoplasms;
examination of the pituitary gland;
careful monitoring of menstruation for a couple of months.

The norms of FSH and LH should always be monitored, especially if there are certain gynecological abnormalities. In no case should you self-medicate! It is time to seek help from a highly qualified specialist!

What does an elevated FSH level indicate?

An increase in follicle-stimulating hormone indicates a malfunction in the female body.

Often, with an increase in the amount of FSH, doctors suspect the presence of a tumor of the pituitary gland (glands of the endocrine system).

Elevated follotropin may also indicate the presence of endometrial cysts and ovarian dysfunction in the body.

An elevated level of the hormone indicates such problems with the body as:

No ovulation phase.
Cessation of menstrual flow.
The presence of uterine bleeding.

Diagnostics

For diagnosis, you should contact a gynecologist. Medical workers send the patient for a blood test.

The main stages of preparation:

Before donating blood during the day, it is forbidden to take hormonal preparations including contraceptives.
For 2-3 hours before the analysis, you can not smoke and exercise.
Blood donation strictly on an empty stomach

Causes of increased FSH in women

The level of follicle-stimulating hormone in the female body is not stable. It changes depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.

Most a large number of follotropin at the beginning of menstruation. It is at the beginning of the menstrual cycle that the body begins active training to the release of the follicle from the egg.

During menopause, elevated levels of FSH are often observed. This is due to the fact that the ovaries do not respond to hormones that are produced by the gland of the endocrine system.

Therefore, there is a glut of this hormone. This situation greatly affects the body of a woman during menopause. Her health worsens, irritability appears.

The main reasons for the increase in the level of follicle-stimulating hormone:

The onset of early menopause.
Surgery to remove the ovaries.
Renal failure.
High level male hormone in a woman's body.
X-ray exposure.

The increase in FSH is strongly influenced bad habits: drinking alcohol and drugs as well as smoking.

The consequence of the occurrence of indicators above the norm may be Ulrich-Turner syndrome.

This disease is congenital pathology characterized by an abnormal number of chromosomes.

FSH norms

In adolescent girls, it ranges from 0.11 to 1.6 mIU / ml.

Among women childbearing age in the follicular phase (the stage of the menstrual cycle), the level is considered to be from 1.9 to 11.0 mIU / ml.

The ovulatory stage is characterized by indicators from 4.8 to 20.5 mIU / ml. During the luteal phase ( The final stage menstrual cycle) the norm ranges from 1 to 9 mIU / ml.

During menopause (menopause), the indicators are at the level of 30 to 128 mIU / ml, and during postmenopause, this varies from 21.7 to 153 mIU / ml.

For IVF, the FSH norm is 1.37 - 9.90 mIU / ml.

How to lower your FSH levels

In order to lower FSH, women are prescribed drugs that temporarily block the main functions of the ovaries.

The duration of treatment depends on the level of the hormone. It can last from 3 to 12 months.

You can lower FSH with drugs such as:

"Buzerelin".
"Carbamazeline".
Danazol.
"Goserelin".
"Megestrol".
"Sesranol".
Stanozol.
"Pimozide".
"Phenytoin".
"Toremifene".

Note!

Drugs should not be taken on one's own initiative. All medicines should be prescribed by an endocrinologist, gynecologist or reproductologist.

Decreased FSH

If FSH is low, then this may be a consequence of the fertilization of the egg. After conception, the level of this hormone drops sharply.

The reason for the decrease in FSH during pregnancy is the fact that follotropin no longer needs to stimulate the development of the follicle, since fertilization has already occurred.

Decreased follicle-stimulating hormone indicates a malfunction of the pituitary gland. Also, FSH in women is often lowered with and due to excessive body weight.

Other reasons for a decrease in the level of follotropin:

Kalman syndrome.
pituitary insufficiency.
Sheehan syndrome.
Excessive production of prolactin in the body.
Tumor of the ovaries.
Simmonds disease.

Hemochromatosis can also cause a sharp decrease in follotropin. This is a disease characterized by disorders of iron metabolism.

Drugs to increase FSH:

"Ketoconazole".
"Nafarelin".
"Naloxone".
"Nilutamide".
Pravastatin.
"Tamoxifen".

Conclusion

It is imperative to treat elevated levels of follicle-stimulating hormone. After all, this threatens a woman with infertility.

With an indicator above 40 mIU / ml, the egg does not leave the follicle, respectively, ovulation does not occur, so the fairer sex will not be able to get pregnant.

Video: High FSH

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a glycoprotein active substance, produced and accumulated in the pituitary gland (its anterior lobe), affecting the functioning of the sex glands.

For problems with reproductive system, improper functioning of the gonads in men and women, doctors often prescribe tests to clarify the state of the hormonal background.

If the results of studies show that it is lowered (FSH), then you need to find out the reasons for the deviations, undergo a course of treatment to restore the level of the sex hormone.

Optimal levels of gonadotropic hormones required condition to preserve reproductive and sexual function in men and women. Deviation of the level of sex hormone up or down negatively affects the ability to conceive, without correction of FSH and LH it is impossible to cure infertility.

Role in a woman's body:

responsible for the correct and timely formation of follicles;
stimulates functioning endocrine glands;
participates in the synthesis of estrogen - the female sex hormone;
provides the process of ovulation.

The role of follicle-stimulating hormone in the body of a man:

supports right course spermatogenesis;
provides adequate levels of androgens.

It is the concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone in the blood of a man that indicates the nature of spermatogenesis. For the production process healthy sperm negatively affects how reduced level FSH, and increased rate gonadotropins.

Hormone rate

The optimal level of follicle-stimulating hormone in women depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle and age.

In girls aged 1.6-9 years, the indicator ranges from 0.11 to 1.6 IU / ml.

IN menopause the level of follicle-stimulating hormone in women is much higher - from 21.7 to 135 IU / ml.

The norm for women of reproductive age (measurement in IU / ml):

the first phase of the cycle - from 2.8 to 11.3;
ovulation - from 5.8 to 21;
the second phase of the cycle - from 1.2 to 9.

Unlike females, follicle-stimulating hormone levels in men practically do not change throughout life. Optimal values- from 0.7 to 11.1 (measured in IU / ml).

When to take an analysis for FSH, LH and prolactin and in what cases it is necessary, read.

Low FSH

Deficiency of an important sex hormone is a consequence of the action of external and internal factors.

Gonadotropin levels are affected pathological processes in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, bad habits (alcohol, smoking, narcotic substances), frequent stress, deficiency of vitamins and minerals with a poor diet.

Long-term use of drugs of the NSAID group also provokes deviations in the levels of LH, FSH, and other important substances.

Severe forms of endocrine and autoimmune pathologies, chronic gynecological diseases, congenital anomalies buildings important glands, producing hormones, also adversely affect spermatogenesis and ovulation.

It is important to know that the lack of attention to the signs hypogonadotropic hypogonadism complicates the treatment of infertility in both sexes.

Among women

FSH is lowered in women - the main causes of deviations:

polycystic ovaries;
pituitary insufficiency;
a tumor process in the ovaries, against which the level of sex hormones is increased;
Sheehan's syndrome;
Simmonds disease;
amenorrhea;
increased production of prolactin.

FSH can decrease in women in the presence of the following factors: passion for diets, a long period fasting, acute shortage body weight, mental illness. The level of gonadotropins is negatively affected and overweight body.

In men

FSH is lowered in men - reasons:

insufficient production of the enzyme 5a-reductase;
hypogonadotropic hypogonadism of unknown etiology;
decrease in androgen levels after 30-35 years;
development of hypopituitarism after surgery, trauma, or tumor process in pituitary tissues.

Diagnostics

A blood test to clarify the level of follicle-stimulating hormone is prescribed for women and men if there are certain indications.

Additionally, doctors evaluate the level of luteinizing hormone, the ratio of FSH and LH.

Andrologist and gynecologist must understand whether the body normally produces substances that regulate reproductive function.

Quantitative values differ in different periods life and menstrual cycle in women, but such a ratio of LH and FSH as 2.5: 1 indicates a secondary or primary disruption of the ovaries.

Indications for analysis on the level of FSH:

male and female infertility;
identified endometriosis;
irregular, scanty or heavy menstruation;
analyzes show overproduction prolactin;
a sharp set of body weight;
previous pregnancies ended in spontaneous abortion;
there is no ovulation;
cessation of menstruation in childbearing age;
revealed gynecological diseases (chronic form);
impaired functioning of the gonads in both sexes.

Preparing for a hormone test:

within 24 hours before a visit to the laboratory, you can not take all types of hormonal drugs;
for several hours before blood sampling, you need to give up cigarettes, it is important to reduce psycho-emotional stress. In the morning you can not do exercises;
an analysis to detect the level of FSH (lowered or increased) is taken strictly on an empty stomach: a violation of the rule leads to incorrect readings.

women give up venous blood to clarify the level of follicle-stimulating hormone only in a certain period of the cycle: from the third to the fifth day.

Deciphering the results:

With a form on which the values of FSH and LH are indicated, you need to visit a gynecologist (women) or an andrologist (men). The doctor compares the obtained data with the norm for certain age and phase of the cycle, evaluates the ratio of gonadotropins: luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones.
Important to consider additional signs indicating the development of diseases in which FSH is lowered. Women are prescribed ultrasound of the uterus and appendages, men - ultrasonography prostate tissues.
The specialist draws attention to external signs violations of the sex glands: excessive hair growth or alopecia on large area, coarsening of the voice, swelling of the mammary glands in men, speed dial weights, other deviations.
If it is difficult to make a diagnosis, you need the help of an endocrinologist. Often the doctor recommends additional tests, tests, instrumental research to clarify the degree of damage to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. It is important to know: if the organs of the endocrine system are disrupted, there are problems with the production of gonadotropic hormones.
After clarifying the diagnosis, the doctor gives recommendations on lifestyle changes, nutrition correction, suggests a therapy regimen to restore the levels of an important follicle-stimulating hormone.

Treatment

The first stage is the elimination of the causes that negatively affect the level of FSH. In some cases, the hormonal background returns to normal after a decrease in the level psycho-emotional stress, drawing up a diet taking into account the recommendations of a nutritionist. Sufficient sleep, a calm atmosphere in the family and the work team are essential elements of therapy.

If the above measures do not restore the optimal level of gonadotropins, and according to the results of repeated analyzes, FSH still retains reduced value and there are deviations in the indicators of other sex hormones, then complex treatment will be needed.

It is important to normalize the level of testosterone, LH, estrogen, progesterone.

The doctor individually selects drugs to stimulate the production of gonadotropins. Effective names: Horagon, Puregon, Dufaston, Menogon. It is necessary to strictly adhere to the dosage, frequency of administration, observe the duration of the course.

lose weight;
give up sedentary image life;
normalize bowel function;
daily massage the stomach clockwise;
don't overeat.

To normalize the work of the endocrine glands, certain products are useful:

watercress;
seaweed;
dill;
parsley;
sunflower and pumpkin seeds;
unrefined vegetable oils;
seafood;
nuts of all kinds;
sea fish;
celery;
cilantro;
apples, peppers, pears, green zucchini.

Decoctions based on medicinal plants positively affect the state of the endocrine system. All prescriptions must be approved by an endocrinologist, andrologist or gynecologist.

Useful plants:

sage;
nettle;
adam root;
plantain;
chamomile;
red brush;
cowberry;
boron mother.

The development of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is evidenced by external signs, menstrual irregularities, difficulties with conception, and the results of hormone tests. If FSH is lowered, then it is necessary to identify the cause of the deviations, undergo a course of therapy to normalize spermatogenesis in men and restore the maturation of follicles in women.