Decreased FSH in women what to do. Elevated FSH - what does it mean? Causes of excess, treatment. How the study is done

The hormone of glycoprotein nature, produced by the anterior pituitary gland is called follicle-stimulating. Its function is related to the regulation and control of reproductive function.

Influence

Follicle-stimulating hormone is found in both men and women. In the male body, it is responsible for the maturation of spermatozoa, the development of the seminiferous tubules and testes. In women, this hormone is responsible for the production of estrogen from testosterone, the formation of follicles, and the synthesis of estrogen. Depending on the phase of the cycle, the indicators of the presence of FSH vary.

Phase dependency

The first day of the cycle marks the beginning of the production of estrogen, the function of which is to stimulate the maturation of the follicle. FSH production on the first day is minimal. On the second and third day FSH level in the blood reaches a maximum and again declines until the middle of the cycle.

On the first day of menstruation, the so-called follicular phase starts. During this period, follicles mature, one of which is released on the 5-6th day and continues to develop. In the next two weeks, an egg matures in it. To go from follicle maturation to ovulation, the body produces FSH. At the end of ovulation, if conception has not taken place, corpus luteum formed by the follicle is destroyed and the luteal phase begins.

Why is this needed?

FSH, luteotropin, prolactin - determine the state of the hormonal status in women. Its definition makes it possible to find out the causes of hormonal imbalance, leading to cycle disorders, infertility, skin problems and other diseases.

The level of FSH in the blood during the maturation of the follicle in women is in the range of 2.8-11.3 mU/l, ovulation - 5.8-21 mU/l, luteal phase - 1.2-9 mU/l. The norm of follicle-stimulating hormone in the blood in men is within 1.37–13.58 mU / l.

Diagnostics by indicators

If the blood levels in women are underestimated, symptoms appear in the form of meager periods, a decrease sexual attraction less pronounced hair growth intimate area. More serious consequence is the absence of the ovulatory period, infertility and atrophy of the genital organs.

Cause low rate I can be overweight, obesity, polycystic ovaries, dysfunction in the hypothalamus. With the development of pregnancy, the production of the hormone decreases, therefore it would be advisable to use an additional hormone for hCG if the woman is of reproductive age.

The reason for the decline in men is the lack of spermatogenesis, the development of impotence, testicular atrophy, and disorders in the pituitary gland.

An increased amount of the hormone in the blood of women during menopause does not indicate violations. An increase not associated with menopause is accompanied by uterine bleeding, lack of menstruation. The reason is:

disorders in the functioning of the ovaries,
endometrial cyst,
alcoholism,
oncological diseases in the pituitary.

In men, the cause is:

violations in the functioning of the sex glands,
excess progesterone,
disorders in renal function,
tumors in the pituitary gland.

Influence of other hormones

When taking a blood test for hormonal status, not only the level of follicle-stimulating hormone is determined, important indicator is also a luteinizing hormone. Their ratio determines the possibility of developing pregnancy on different stages woman's life. The ratio is determined by dividing the amount of luteotropin by the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone.

Before the beginning puberty these hormones are observed in almost identical amounts, their ratio is equal to one. At the beginning of menstruation and before menopause, the ratio should be 1.5-2.

If these figures are too high, this indicates depletion of ovarian function, pituitary cancer, or polycystic disease.

Prolactin also affects the production of FSH, suppressing its amount during pregnancy. If the level of follicle-stimulating hormone has decreased during pregnancy, we can conclude that it is healthy and has a successful lactation period in the future.

Study preparation

The analysis is carried out using venous blood. So that the interpretation of the results is not erroneous, it is recommended not to eat food three hours before the analysis, to avoid emotional and physical overstrain the day before blood sampling. When taking hormonal drugs, it is necessary to coordinate with the doctor a temporary cessation of taking two days before the analysis.

The study can be used to determine the causes of infertility, menopause, diagnosis of late or early sexual development, while monitoring the effectiveness of hormone therapy.

The analysis should be taken on the 7th day of the cycle. If underestimated values are found in the decoding, the procedure should be repeated, since the hormone is produced in impulses.
A lower value on repeat analysis may also indicate pregnancy. Increased - about the beginning of menopause at the hormonal level.
Nicotine distorts the data, so smoking 3 hours before blood sampling is not recommended.
During pregnancy, the day for testing should be discussed with the doctor observing the condition expectant mother. It may need to be repeated several times to determine the effect of prolactin, this does not indicate any violations.

The hormonal function of the ovaries in women is regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), or folliculotropin, which is produced by the main endocrine gland - the pituitary gland. Low FSH or, conversely, high - all this affects the production of sex hormones, and the nature of menstrual cycle, the ability of a woman to conceive and carry a pregnancy.

In addition to follicle-stimulating hormone, the pituitary gland produces luteinizing hormone. In the 1st, follicular, phase of the menstrual cycle, under the influence of FSH, the follicle matures and its production of estrogen increases. High level estrogen leads to a decrease in FSH, but to stimulation of luteinizing hormone. Under its influence, the mature follicle ruptures, and the egg enters the fallopian tube, ready for fertilization.

This is the beginning of the luteal phase of the cycle. If fertilization does not occur within 24 hours, against the background of a decrease in FSH levels, gradual atrophy of the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) and its exfoliation occur, and the egg comes out with it, menstruation begins. At the end of it, the FSH level gradually rises again. This is important to know because during a blood test for FSH, the phase of the menstrual cycle must be taken into account.

Why does the hormone level decrease?

The reasons leading to a decrease in FSH in women may be:

Diseases and injuries of the central nervous system leading to insufficiency of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland.
Tumors of the ovaries, adrenal glands with increased hormonal activity (polycystic, adenomas, cancer).
Sheehan syndrome - acute disorder circulation of the pituitary gland during difficult childbirth.
Congenital pituitary insufficiency.
Eating disorders: anorexia, "hungry" diets and, conversely, overeating and obesity.

Important! Women "sit down" for weight loss on starvation diet, expose themselves big risk the development of pituitary insufficiency, as well as gluttons. It is important to adhere to the "golden mean" in nutrition.

The consequences of a decrease in FSH and indications for analysis

Since folliculotropin stimulates ovarian function, it is rightly considered a reproductive hormone. Low level FSH in a woman reduces her fertility, that is, the possibility of conception. This is due to the non-maturing of the follicle containing the egg, as a result, it is incapable of ovulation, and therefore of fertilization.

Indications for determining the level of folliculotropin in the blood are:

infertility;
menstrual irregularities;
uterine bleeding;
frequent miscarriages;
delay in sexual development in adolescents or, conversely, premature puberty;
frigidity in women;
endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, adrenal tumors;
taking hormonal drugs;
pathology of the central nervous system.

Important! In case of menstrual disorders, bleeding, prolonged non-occurrence of pregnancy, miscarriages, you should contact a gynecologist to determine the level of FSH and a complete examination.

What are the norms of FSH in women?

The level of FSH in the blood changes periodically, so the evaluation of the results laboratory research do taking into account the phase of the menstrual cycle in which blood was taken for analysis. The table shows the FSH norms in various phases, in menopause and postmenopausal.

How can FSH levels be increased?

What to do if FSH is low and the long-awaited ovulation does not occur? Of course, this problem needs to be addressed in women. childbearing age. First of all, you should contact a gynecologist who will prescribe an examination and medication if it turns out that the woman's follicle-stimulating hormone is lowered. Appointed hormonal preparations, which in everyday life women call pills that help get pregnant: Menogon, Puregon, Klostilbegit, Pregnil, Horagon, Dufaston and their other analogues.

Important! It is necessary to take hormones in compliance with the dose of the drug, strictly according to the doctor's prescription and under his supervision.

In addition, a woman herself can prepare her body for full hormonal activity. Increasing the level of follicle-stimulating hormone, in fact, means general health improvement female body, it includes:

Normalization of nutrition: avoid overeating, balance the diet so that it contains less fat and enough proteins, vitamins, fiber.
Exception stressful situations, positive thinking.
Complete rest.
Sufficient physical activity- playing sports, walking, exercising, cycling and so on.
Massage lower divisions abdomen - with smooth, soft movements, you need to stroke and slightly knead the tissues for 10-15 minutes.
Monitor the work of the intestines so that the stool is regular.

Traditional medicine recommends natural remedies that increase the function of the pituitary gland: ginseng tincture, propolis, seaweed, green vegetables and fruits, fresh or dried herbs (celery, parsley, cilantro, dill, watercress). You must also use more products containing polyunsaturated fatty acid: sea fish, unrefined vegetable oils, nuts, seeds. Useful herbal teas from the collection: knotweed, sage, plantain, Adam's root.

Collection tea medicinal herbs- a good help to increase FSH

A decrease in FSH levels in women is a solvable problem. You can increase the level of the hormone with the help of medications in combination with the normalization of nutrition and lifestyle, as well as traditional medicine.

AT recent times the fair sex is increasingly faced with various pathologies reproductive system. In this regard, women often take blood tests for various markers, including hormones. One of the important components of both female and male body is a follicle stimulating hormone.

How does the hormone work?

This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. Follicle-stimulating hormone in women is responsible for the normal maturation of the follicles and the full development of the egg. Thanks to him, the fair sex can conceive and give birth to a child.

This substance is produced in the maximum number in the first phase of the cycle, before ovulation. When the follicle has grown and released the egg, the follicle-stimulating hormone begins to decrease in its concentration, reaching a minimum in last days before next menstruation. When the next bleeding occurs, everything happens anew: the amount of the substance grows, helping the follicles to develop.

What is the analysis for?

Due to some diseases or for other reasons, the follicle-stimulating hormone begins to deviate from the norm. In this case, its smaller or, conversely, greater production occurs. It was then that a woman begins to feel that not everything is normal in her body.

Usually, when the patient complains, the doctor writes out a referral for analysis. This is necessary in order to know the status hormonal background and, if necessary, prescribe appropriate treatment. Also, a similar study is carried out in the following cases:

With infertility.
To find out what phase a woman is in.
To determine the presence of various sexual dysfunctions.

Follicle-stimulating hormone in men shows the condition and number of spermatozoa.

How is the research done?

If the patient is taking any hormonal drugs, then two days before the scheduled study, they must be canceled. Just like any other blood test, the study of this type of hubbub is carried out strictly on an empty stomach. It is better if the material is taken in the morning.

An analysis for follicle-stimulating hormone is prescribed on the fifth or twentieth day of the menstrual cycle. Sleep well the night before donating blood. You should also stop drinking alcohol and not smoking.

Always used for research deoxygenated blood. It is in it that the concentration of the hormone reaches its maximum.

Follicle stimulating hormone: normal

It should be noted that at the time of birth, a significant increase in the level of this substance is observed in a person. Its concentration gradually decreases and reaches its norm by six months in male children and by two years in girls. Before the onset of puberty and a change in the work of the pituitary gland, the follicle-stimulating hormone is equal to the luteinizing hormone. That is why it is customary to study these substances simultaneously.

In men, the follicle-stimulating hormone, the norm of which is from 1.5 to 12.4 mIU / ml, always has slightly lower values than in the fair sex. This speaks of normal functioning reproductive system and fertility. With various deviations from the standard values, disorders of the reproductive system can be observed. That is why it is also important for men to keep follicle-stimulating hormone under control.

The norm in women of this substance varies depending on the day of the menstrual cycle. During the period of menstruation, the amount of the hormone is in the range from 2.8 to 12.5 mIU / ml. Further, with each passing day, its growth in female body. By the time the egg is released from the mature follicle, the amount of the hormone is from 4.7 to 21.5 mIU / ml.

After reaching its peak, the production of a substance begins to gradually decrease. Accordingly, the follicle-stimulating hormone has other meanings in this period. The norm in women can vary from 1.2 to 9 mIU / ml.

How does the hormone behave during menopause?

It should be noted that in the period before menopause and after its onset, the follicle-stimulating hormone is increased. This is a variant of the norm and does not require medical correction. During this period, the amount of the substance can range from 25.8 to 134. mIU / ml. Despite the fact that the production of this substance is increasing, it is necessary to ensure that it does not go beyond normal values.

Increasing the level of FSH production

In some cases, when deciphering the results of the study, it may turn out that the follicle-stimulating hormone is elevated. What can it say? There are several reasons for the excess of this substance in a woman's body.

As it has already become known, a significant increase in the concentration of FSH in the blood occurs during menopause. It can also be seen in excess various pathologies female ovaries, for example, with some tumor formations, with hormonal diseases, with exhaustion and other syndromes.

Also, with different external influences follicle-stimulating hormone may be elevated, for example, with infections, exposure to radiation or radiation therapy, when taking chemicals and bad habits.

High levels of the substance are observed in women with various tumors pituitary. It also increases with early puberty.

Decreased FSH levels

In some cases, the picture is completely opposite. When deciphering the analyzes, the doctor discovers that the result of the patient deviates somewhat from the normal values downwards. There are reasons for this as well.

With a delay in growth or development, the level of follicle-stimulating hormone is quite low. During progression various diseases the brain and pituitary gland also present a lack of FSH. With various tumor processes that provoke the production of male hormones, one can observe low concentration the substance in question. The same thing happens when you receive additional drugs containing androgens or testosterone.

Deviations from normal values in men

Just like women, men can get test results that do not fit within the standard range. If the representatives of the stronger sex have an increase or decrease in the level of FSH production, this may indicate the following:

testicular insufficiency.
Testicular agenesis or aplasia.
Progressive tumor processes in the testicles.
Absence of male organs.

Deviation correction

In the event that there is some failure in the body and is not produced in required quantity follicle-stimulating hormone, treatment must be carried out without fail. First you need to find out the cause of the malfunction. hormonal system. Only then can appropriate therapy be prescribed and corrected.

Quite often, after treating the cause, the doctor prescribes hormonal correction. It consists in taking oral contraceptives, which for some time block the work of the ovaries and restore hormonal levels.

In order for the result obtained to give the most clear picture of the state of the body, it is recommended to conduct a study of the level of FSH along with an analysis of the amount of LH. These two hormones interact continuously. If their ratio is violated, then there may be some problems in the functioning of the reproductive system.

It is necessary to take an analysis to determine the level of FSH at least twice. A single study may not give a clear picture, as a result of which the wrong treatment may be prescribed.

Also, when deciphering the result, it is necessary to pay attention to normal values. In different laboratories, the digital range of the level of follicle-stimulating hormone may differ. It is impossible to decipher the results of one laboratory according to the norms of another. In most cases, when you receive a test, your result is indicated on the form and numerical values laboratory standards.

Watch your hormones and be healthy!

Tropic hormones are produced in the pituitary gland of the brain. They stimulate the work of peripheral endocrine glands. One of these tropic substances is follicle-stimulating hormone (follicle tropin, FSH).

It's complicated chemical compound affects the formation, development and function of the genital organs in women and men.

The structure and secretion of the hormone

FSH is a two chain molecule. The hormone is 85% amino acids and 15% carbohydrates.

Three factors influence the release of this substance into the blood:

gonadoliberin of the hypothalamus (stimulates);
inhibin of the genital organs (suppresses);
estrogens and androgens (suppress).

In adults, estrogens and androgens have the maximum effect on gonadotropins. The level of folliculotropin is regulated by sex steroids according to the principle feedback. The less androgens or estrogens, the more FSH is released in the pituitary gland.

In the female body, the level of follicle-stimulating hormone directly depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle. The hormone is released in high concentration in the first two weeks after the onset of menstruation. In the follicular phase, its concentration is constantly increasing. The peak of secretion falls on the days before ovulation. Then, when the mature egg is released into the lumen fallopian tube, FSH levels decrease.

When pregnancy occurs, follicle-stimulating hormone remains suppressed. Its level begins to increase only a few months after childbirth.

In women after menopause, the concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone ceases to change cyclically. Its blood level is always high. This is because the pituitary continues to stimulate the ovaries. But the maturation of the eggs does not occur, since the sex glands after menopause lose their sensitivity to FSH.

In men, follicle-stimulating hormone is produced evenly. No secretion peaks and noticeable decreases in the concentration of the hormone are observed. In older men, FSH rises. This is natural reaction endocrine system on the aging of the body.

Action FSH

Follicle-stimulating hormone is responsible for a person's ability to reproduce. It supports the reproductive system.

The effect of FSH on the female body:

stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries;
increases the level of estrogen;
provokes the conversion of testosterone to estrogen;
promotes ovulation;
regulates the beginning and end of menstruation.

No less important is the follicle-stimulating hormone for the male reproductive system.

His role:

promotes the development of seminiferous tubules in the testicles;
stimulates the formation of mature spermatozoa;
regulates the work of Sertoli cells in the testicles.

Both an increase and a decrease in FSH lead to a violation reproductive function. The level of the hormone changes with diseases of the sex glands (ovaries, testicles), pituitary gland and hypothalamus.

What factors lead to low or high FSH

Low and high levels of FSH reflect the dysfunction of the reproductive system. When the value is out of range, it is likely various violations. Most often, changes in the norm lead to infertility.

An increase in follicle-stimulating hormone occurs when:

premature exhaustion of the ovaries (early menopause);
underdevelopment of the sex glands;
endometrioid cysts;
uterine bleeding;
pituitary tumors (adenoma);
surgical removal of the ovaries or testicles (castration);
inflammation of the testicles;
testicular feminization syndrome;
alcohol abuse.

Low FSH occurs in patients with:

secondary hypogonadism;
Sheehan's syndrome;
prolactinoma;
polycystic ovary syndrome;
obese.

In addition, the concentration of the hormone in the blood is affected hormonal agents contraception, some others medicines, traumatic brain injury and other factors.

When the attending physician examines a patient with abnormal FSH levels, he evaluates all probable causes this imbalance.

The norm of folliculotropin

The exact limits of normal FSH values in different laboratories may vary slightly. They depend on specific technologies, methods and reagents in a medical institution.

Usually, follicle-stimulating hormone is measured in international units of mU / ml.

The norm for children depends on age and gender. In girls up to a year old, the norm should be from 1.8 to 20.3 mU / ml. Further, up to five years, the concentration of the hormone is within the range of 0.6-6.2 mU / ml. To school age this indicator decreases to 4.5 mU / ml and remains stable until the onset of puberty.

In male infants, it should be below 3.5 mU / ml, in boys preschool age- less than 1.5 mU / ml, in junior schoolchildren– up to 3 honey/ml.

In girls and women of childbearing age, the rate of folliculotropin varies according to the phases of the menstrual cycle.

If the analysis is taken during the follicular period, then the norms fall within the boundaries of 1.37-9.9 mU / ml. On the days of ovulation, this figure is 6.2-17.2 mU / ml. If you take an analysis for a hormone in the luteal phase of the cycle, then its concentration should be from 1 to 9 mU / ml.

For women reproductive age the balance between the gonadotropins FSH and LH is extremely important. The level of the first of them is normally always higher by 1.5-2 times. When the follicle-stimulating hormone becomes relatively abundant, this ratio increases.

In the case when FSH exceeds LH by 2.5 times or more, then the following are likely:

ovarian exhaustion (approaching menopause);
polycystic ovary syndrome;
FSH-secreting pituitary adenoma.

In women after menopause, FSH normally rises. Its level reaches 19-100 mU/l.

In young men under 20, the concentration of the hormone in the blood is 0.4-10 mU / ml. In adult men after 21 years, this indicator falls within the range of 1-12 mU / ml.

This hormone is determined along with a number of other parameters (LH, prolactin, sex steroids, etc.). This allows the doctor to get a holistic view of the patient's health.

Hormone is examined:

with infertility;
with irregular periods;
with uterine bleeding;
in the absence of ovulation;
with spontaneous abortion;
with endometriosis;
with polycystic ovaries;
with a decrease in sexual desire;
with impotence;
at chronic inflammation reproductive system;
with a delay in the growth and development of children;
with precocious puberty.

How to donate a hormone

In men, in children, in women after menopause or with amenorrhea for another reason, in pregnant women, FSH is determined on any day of the month.

To obtain accurate results, it is necessary to limit the physical and emotional stress 2-3 days before blood sampling. On the day of the study, it is recommended not to smoke (at least 60 minutes before the analysis). The night before, it is worth limiting the menu fatty foods. It is also necessary to refrain from alcohol. Blood for FSH is taken strictly on an empty stomach. Any food, sugary drinks, coffee and tea should be excluded for 8-12 hours. It is best to come to the analysis in the morning hours (from 7 to 11).

Responsible for the production of follicles in the ovaries of the fair sex.

It also promotes the synthesis of estrogen. Follotropin is designed to regulate the production of other sex hormones.

If this hormone exceeds the norm, then the woman will need treatment. You can lower FSH with the help of medications.

What does an elevated FSH level indicate?

An increase in follicle-stimulating hormone indicates a malfunction in the female body.

Often, with an increase in the amount of FSH, doctors suspect the presence of a tumor of the pituitary gland (glands of the endocrine system).

Elevated follotropin may also indicate the presence of endometrial cysts and ovarian dysfunction in the body.

An elevated level of the hormone indicates such problems with the body as:

No ovulation phase.
Cessation of menstrual flow.
The presence of uterine bleeding.

Diagnostics

For diagnosis, you should contact a gynecologist. Medical workers send the patient for a blood test.

The main stages of preparation:

Before donating blood during the day, it is forbidden to take hormonal drugs, including contraceptives.
For 2-3 hours before the analysis, you can not smoke and exercise.
Blood donation strictly on an empty stomach

Causes of increased FSH in women

The level of follicle-stimulating hormone in the female body is not stable. It changes depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.

Most a large number of follotropin at the beginning of menstruation. It is at the beginning of the menstrual cycle that the body begins to actively prepare for the release of the follicle from the egg.

During menopause, there is often elevated level FSH. This is due to the fact that the ovaries do not respond to hormones that are produced by the gland of the endocrine system.

Therefore, there is a glut of this hormone. This situation greatly affects the body of a woman during menopause. Her health worsens, irritability appears.

The main reasons for the increase in the level of follicle-stimulating hormone:

The onset of early menopause.
Surgery to remove the ovaries.
Renal failure.
High level male hormone in a woman's body.
X-ray exposure.

The increase in FSH is strongly influenced bad habits: drinking alcohol and drugs as well as smoking.

The consequence of the occurrence of indicators above the norm may be Ulrich-Turner syndrome.

This disease is congenital pathology characterized by an abnormal number of chromosomes.

FSH norms

In adolescent girls, it ranges from 0.11 to 1.6 mIU / ml.

In women of childbearing age, follicular phase(stage of the menstrual cycle), the level is considered to be from 1.9 to 11.0 mIU / ml.

The ovulatory stage is characterized by indicators from 4.8 to 20.5 mIU / ml. During the luteal phase ( The final stage menstrual cycle) the norm ranges from 1 to 9 mIU / ml.

During menopause (menopause), the indicators are at the level of 30 to 128 mIU / ml, and during postmenopause, this varies from 21.7 to 153 mIU / ml.

For IVF FSH norm equal to 1.37 - 9.90 mIU / ml.

How to lower your FSH levels

In order to lower FSH, women are prescribed drugs that temporarily block the main functions of the ovaries.

The duration of treatment depends on the level of the hormone. It can last from 3 to 12 months.

You can lower FSH with drugs such as:

"Buzerelin".
"Carbamazeline".
Danazol.
"Goserelin".
"Megestrol".
"Sesranol".
Stanozol.
"Pimozide".
"Phenytoin".
"Toremifene".

Note!

Medicines must not be taken own initiative. All medicines must be prescribed by an endocrinologist, gynecologist or reproductologist.

Decreased FSH

If FSH is low, then this may be a consequence of the fertilization of the egg. After conception, the level of this hormone drops sharply.

The reason for the decrease in FSH during pregnancy is the fact that follotropin no longer needs to stimulate the development of the follicle, since fertilization has already occurred.

Decreased follicle-stimulating hormone indicates a malfunction of the pituitary gland. Also, FSH in women is often lowered with and due to excessive body weight.

Other reasons for a decrease in the level of follotropin:

Kalman syndrome.
pituitary insufficiency.
Sheehan syndrome.
Excessive production of prolactin in the body.
Tumor of the ovaries.
Simmonds disease.

Hemochromatosis can also cause a sharp decrease in follotropin. This is a disease characterized by disorders of iron metabolism.

Drugs to increase FSH:

"Ketoconazole".
"Nafarelin".
"Naloxone".
"Nilutamide".
Pravastatin.
"Tamoxifen".

Conclusion

It is imperative to treat elevated levels of follicle-stimulating hormone. After all, this threatens a woman with infertility.

With an indicator above 40 mIU / ml, the egg does not leave the follicle, respectively, ovulation does not occur, so the fairer sex will not be able to get pregnant.