FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that is related to sexual development and functioning. Low levels can cause reproductive conditions and affect physical development of reproductive organs. Testing for FSH can diagnose conditions and treatment options.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone, more commonly called FSH, is a hormone that is produced and released into the body by the pituitary gland. Located at the base of the brain, the pituitary gland is primarily responsible for the production and secretion of various hormones that control growth and sexual development. FSH is related to sexual development and functioning in both men and women; therefore, low levels of FSH can cause a variety of reproductive conditions. FSH levels can be affected by problems ranging from stress and being underweight to tumors or other abnormalities that prevent the pituitary gland from working properly.
One of the most common effects of low FSH levels in the body is decreased levels of reproductive cells, which can contribute to infertility if left untreated. In women, this can lead to a decrease in the amount of eggs the ovaries produce. Men who do not have adequate amounts of FSH will generally have low sperm counts.
Abnormally low amounts of FSH hormones in the body can also affect the physical development of the reproductive organs, a condition known as hypogonadism. In males, one of the primary functions of the hormone is to stimulate testicular growth. If too little FSH is present in the body during puberty, it can result in a male with underdeveloped testicles along with impaired sperm functioning. Hypogonadism can also occur after puberty and cause body and facial hair loss, breast growth, muscle loss, and difficulty in sexual functioning.
Women who have low amounts of FSH during puberty may not start menstruating or develop breasts. If the condition occurs after puberty, a woman may notice a loss of body hair and a decreased level of sexual interest. Low levels of FSH in adulthood also tend to cause disruption of the menstrual cycle. If female hypogonadism is left untreated, it can lead to premature menopause.
If a person has problems with sexual development or functioning, a blood sample is usually taken and tested to determine if there are abnormal amounts of the hormone FSH in the body. To prevent permanent complications from low FSH levels, a doctor typically recommends that a patient take a synthetic version of the hormone to help regulate it to a normal level. Inadequate amounts of the hormone can also be one of the symptoms of conditions, such as polycystic ovarian disease, Klinefelter syndrome, Turner syndrome or anorexia. Testing for FSH is often used as a tool to diagnose these conditions and determine the best treatment options.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
