Normal FSH Levels

FSH is an important reproductive hormone which is secreted by gonadotrope cells in the anterior or frontal part of the pituitary gland. It is a hormone that can be found in humans as well as animals and it controls the growth, development, and maturation of reproductive organs.

This hormone is accompanied by another hormone called the luteinizing hormone (LH) which also plays an equally important part in reproduction.

• In men, FSH controls sperm production and as men do not undergo any major hormonal changes, their levels remain constant.

• In women, FSH controls egg production by ovaries and menstruation. Their levels differ widely in case of women, throughout their menstrual cycles, and are the highest just before ovulation.
• It also helps in the formation of placenta during pregnancy.

• In order to know the FSH levels in the body, it is necessary to take a test called the FSH test of the blood, which can determine abnormalities like low sperm count in men, and irregular or absent menstrual periods in women, to detect menopause.

• It also helps in detecting if children are going through an early puberty and to see if the sexual organs are developing normally, to avoid complications.

• Diagnosing pituitary gland disorders like tumors can also be done by taking this test.
• It is directly involved in the production of reproductive cells, so people with an FSH deficiency can be affected by infertility. Medication for this disorder can be prescribed medicines like gonadotropins or clomiphene citrate.

The normal FSH level is expected to be between 3 mIU/ml to 10 mIU/ml. This level is required for the production of a normal number of reproductive cells and development of sex organs.

Normal FSH levels in Women: A woman above puberty and below menopause is expected to have normal FSH level between 5 to 30 mIU/mL

• Peak FSH level is when the woman is ovulating and the right time to measure it in the blood is on the third day of the menstrual cycle.
• For women who have crossed menopause, the normal range is from 50 to 100 mIU/ml.

• When the FSH is more than 12 mIU/ml the ovaries start to weaken and when it is above 25 mIU/ml an ovarian failure can be reported but this condition is most common in women, post menopause.

• FSH levels lower than 2 mIU/ml are seen in pregnant women or women taking contraceptive pills. Hypogonadotropic women also experience low levels of the same.

Normal FSH levels in Men: For an average adult male, the normal range is from 5 to 20 mIU/mL.

Abnormal levels of follicle-stimulating hormone can be caused by congenital or acquired disorders. This can be a chromosomal disorder as well. The development of the pituitary gland is limited due to this chromosomal mishap and hence, there can be abnormal secretions of the hormone.

Mental retardation due to other genetic disorders can also lead to disturbances in the levels. Acquired reasons like exercise, stress, and smoking can also be the cause the same.

Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) and hormone imbalance treatment are the most effective treatments for such abnormal FSH levels. For women, hormones like progesterone and estrogen can be administered by HRT; and in case of men testosterone can be administered intramuscularly or through patches. If there are adrenal or gonadal tumors, surgery is the best treatment.

Hormones regulate every system in our body and keep it fit and healthy, and follicle-stimulating hormone is one of the most important hormones that helps do this job in a better way.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.