Do You Know the FSH Testing Reasons in Women?

Hormones that are responsible for the regulation of the reproductive cycles in both men and women are produced through the endocrine system. The endocrine system is a network of glands that secrete various hormones that help the body to function smoothly. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland, and in women, it helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and in the production of eggs from the ovaries. In men, it helps in the production of sperm.

Physicians rely of the analysis of FSH levels to aid in the diagnosis of reproductive issues in women. For example, if a couple is having problems in conceiving a child, one of the first tests that the doctor may order is an FSH test. The levels of this hormone vary throughout the menstrual cycle. If the levels of these hormones are high, it indicates that a woman has just ovulated, or released an egg. An analysis of the testing results can help doctors to better diagnose fertility problems.

FSH testing is also used in women who have polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian cysts, abnormal vaginal or menstrual bleeding. It helps doctors in making determinations of these conditions, and in making more accurate diagnoses for proper treatment plans.

This test is also used in the diagnosis or menopause or perimenopause. A low FSH count can indicate whether or not menopause has begun, or been achieved. When levels are low, it can indicate that a woman's ovarian reserve has been reached and there are no longer eggs available for release from the ovaries, resulting in permanent infertility.

How Follicle Stimulating Hormone Tests are Conducted to Test for Menopause?

FSH tests are taken by drawing a blood sample and analyzing the levels of hormones in this manner. Because of the fact that estrogen, progesterone and FSH levels can fluctuate wildly during early menopause, one test is not enough to confirm that menopause has begun. Repeated testing is done to satisfy the proper criteria before a final diagnosis is made. Health care providers also consider all symptoms reported by the patient and weigh them all together. Such symptoms might include irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and other symptoms of menopause.

There are several different factors that must be taken into consideration when FSH testing is done. For example, birth control pills or other prescribed hormone therapies can alter results. This is why a cessation of these must take place prior to testing or the results will be invalid.

When FSH levels are high in women it can signal the beginning or conclusion of menopause. In younger women it can mean that they are entering what is known as premature menopause. This occurs when women begin menopause prior to age 50 and can signal a higher likelihood of health risks as they age, including higher mortality rates. It can also signal certain types of tumors in the pituitary gland or Turner's syndrome. This is why FSH testing is so commonly used in the medical field.

Low FSH levels in women may be caused by being underweight, cessation of ovulation or glands in the brain failing to produce normal levels of hormones. In particular, this relates to the hypothalamus and the pituitary glands. Finally, it can also indicate pregnancy.

Follicle stimulating hormone is responsible for the regulation of menses and ovulation. It provides physicians with a reliable way of determining if there is a failure of the ovaries and valuable in the diagnosis of fertility issues in both men and women. High FSH levels may indicate ovulation, but it can also signal more series issues such as tumors in the pituitary gland or Turner's syndrome. Low levels may signal premature menopause, perimenopause or the completion of menopause. The menopause can be treated by using Profemin, Estrovera reviews, Brisdelle reviews etc. It can also be caused by weight loss, glandular disturbances or pregnancy.

FSH testing is a valuable resource that physicians use to gather information about how a woman's body is functioning. This in turn helps them to make more accurate diagnoses of issues and potential issues so the proper treatment methods can be employed.