Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
CPT Code(s):
83001
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
5 days
Refrigerated:
14 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
The Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) test holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in assessing reproductive health, particularly in the evaluation of fertility and the diagnosis of certain hormonal disorders. FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a crucial role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and the production of eggs in women and sperm in men.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of FSH include:
1. Assessment of Ovarian Function: In women, FSH levels are used to evaluate ovarian function and the maturation of eggs. High FSH levels may indicate diminished ovarian reserve or reduced egg quality, potentially affecting fertility. FSH is commonly used in the evaluation of infertility, especially in women undergoing fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Monitoring FSH levels helps guide treatment decisions and determine the appropriate course of action.
2. Evaluation of Menopause: FSH levels are elevated in women experiencing menopause. Measuring FSH levels is a valuable tool for diagnosing menopause, as persistently high levels indicate a significant decline in ovarian function. FSH helps healthcare providers confirm the onset of menopause and guide appropriate management and hormonal therapies.
3. Diagnosis of Hypogonadism: In both men and women, low FSH levels may indicate hypogonadism, a condition where the gonads (testes in men, ovaries in women) do not produce adequate amounts of sex hormones. FSH, along with other hormone tests, helps diagnose hypogonadism and guide further investigations and treatments.
4. Assessment of Puberty Development: FSH is used in the evaluation of pubertal development, especially in cases of delayed or early puberty. Abnormal FSH levels can provide insights into the underlying hormonal imbalances that may contribute to delayed or precocious puberty.
5. Monitoring Hormone Replacement Therapy: FSH is used to monitor the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women undergoing treatment for menopausal symptoms. Regular monitoring of FSH levels helps determine the appropriate dosage and adjustments in HRT to maintain hormonal balance and alleviate symptoms.
It is important to note that the interpretation of FSH levels requires consideration of other hormonal parameters and clinical context. FSH levels can vary throughout the menstrual cycle in women, and additional tests may be necessary to fully evaluate reproductive health and fertility.
In summary, FSH has specific clinical significance in assessing ovarian function, diagnosing menopause, evaluating hypogonadism, assessing pubertal development, and monitoring hormone replacement therapy. By measuring FSH levels in a patient's blood, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, reproductive health evaluations, and optimizing patient care outcomes related to fertility and hormonal disorders.