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Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a peptide hormone of the adenohypophysis. FSH is a gonadotropin and stimulates spermatogenesis in men. The release of FSH is stimulated by GnRH from the hypothalamus. Testosterone and inhibin inhibit the release of FSH (negative feedback).

Standard Value for men:

Depending on laboratory 1–10 U/l.

Laboratory test method:

Sandwich ELISA.

Indications:

Screening test (together with testosterone) for gonadal endocrine disorders (hypogonadism or hypergonadism) and testosterone deficiency. For abnormal testosterone levels, a low FSH concentration suggests a hypogonadotrophic dysfunction, an elevated FSH concentration a hypergonadotrophic dysfunction. Please see also section hypogonadism and hypergonadism for further differential diagnosis. An isolated increase of FSH with normal testosterone is an sign of spermatogenesis dysfunction (lack of feedback from inhibin).

References

Trottmann, M., Dickmann, M., Stief, C. G., and Becker, A. J. (2010). [laboratory workup of testosterone].
Urologe A, 49(1):11-15.

Vermeulen, A.; Verdonck, L. & Kaufman, J. M. A critical evaluation of simple methods for the estimation of free testosterone in serum.
The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 1999, 84, 3666-3672

  Deutsche Version: FSH Labor Test

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