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Home›FSH, LH & Prolactin
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FSH, LH & Prolactin

Also known as Hormonal Profile, Hormonal Panel
FSH, LH & Prolactin Includes 3 testsView All
₹748₹958 21% Off
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
  1. In females, the preferred sampling time is day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle for LH & FSH.
  2. Overnight fasting is preferred but not mandatory.

Understanding FSH, LH & Prolactin

What is FSH, LH & Prolactin?

The Hormonal Profile Test, encompassing Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Prolactin, assesses the levels of key hormones that help regulate reproductive functions and lactation. The test is vital for detecting and monitoring hormonal disorders and fertility issues.

FSH, LH, and prolactin are all produced in the anterior pituitary gland and play vital roles in reproductive health and overall well-being. Assessing their levels with this hormonal panel is often the first step in determining fertility in both men and women.

FSH is crucial for the development of eggs, regulation of menstrual cycles in females, and sperm production in males. LH encourages the release of an egg from the ovary in females and stimulates testosterone production in males. Abnormal levels of FSH and LH can indicate menstrual irregularity, fertility issues, and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and pituitary disorders.

Prolactin is a hormone that stimulates breast development and milk production (lactation) in females. Additionally, it also influences the menstrual cycle. Elevated prolactin levels can interfere with fertility, cause menstrual irregularities, and be associated with conditions such as galactorrhea (inappropriate milk production) and pituitary tumors (prolactinomas).

In women, the doctor may suggest this test in case of symptoms of irregular or heavy menstrual periods, PCOS/PCOD, if you are facing difficulty in getting pregnant, and/or if pituitary or hypothalamus problems are suspected. In men, this test can be performed when fertility issues and signs of low testosterone levels, such as decreased sex drive and low muscle mass, are observed. 

Overnight fasting is required for this hormonal profile. Do not eat or drink anything other than water for 8-12 hours before the test. In women, the preferred time to collect the sample is the second or third day of the menstrual cycle. Your doctor may ask you to temporarily stop taking certain medications, such as birth control pills or Biotin (Vitamin B7) supplements, as they may lead to some aberrancy in your test results. Prolactin levels can vary throughout the day as ​​prolactin is secreted episodically and may be influenced by factors such as stress, exercise, and sleep. Therefore, multiple prolactin tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help them determine your medical condition and formulate your treatment plan.

What is FSH, LH & Prolactin used for?

An FSH, LH & Prolactin test is done:

  • Evaluate infertility issues in males and females.
  • Assess menstrual irregularities and conditions such as amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea.
  • Investigate the cause of abnormal breast milk discharge (galactorrhea) in non-pregnant women.
  • Evaluate the role of prolactin in case of lactation failure in women after childbirth.
  • Diagnose disorders or tumors of the pituitary gland or diseases involving the testes or ovaries.

What does FSH, LH & Prolactin measure?

Contains 3 tests

An FSH, LH & Prolactin test measures levels of three hormones, namely follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin, that are critical for reproductive function in males and females. This hormonal test is conducted to address various issues associated with the process of ovulation, fertility, and reproductive organs.

The levels of these hormones are typically low at younger ages, but as adolescence approaches, the brain starts producing GnRH. GnRH is responsible for initiating the changes in puberty and signaling the pituitary gland to release FSH and LH into your blood.

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Follicle Stimulating Hormone

The Follicle Stimulating Hormone test measures the level of FSH in your body. FSH is produced and subsequently released into the blood by the pituitary gland. Its production is controlled by a feedback mechanism involving a hormone situated in the hypothalamus in the brain. The released FSH travels through your blood and then attaches to receptors in the ovaries and testes. It exerts functional effects on the reproductive organs, such as sexual development, puberty, and maturation. FSH levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle in response to estradiol and progesterone. Any disruption or issue in this feedback mechanism can prevent the normal function of the testicles or ovaries. Thus, determining its level provides crucial information regarding your health.

Know more about Follicle Stimulating Hormone

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Serum Prolactin

The Serum Prolactin test measures the levels of prolactin hormone in a person’s body. During pregnancy, prolactin, estrogen, and progesterone hormones stimulate breast milk development. Following childbirth, prolactin helps initiate and maintain the breast milk supply. If a woman does not breastfeed, her prolactin concentration will soon drop back to pre-pregnancy levels.

Besides pregnancy, the most common cause of elevated prolactin concentration is prolactinoma, a prolactin-producing tumor of the pituitary gland. Prolactinomas are the most common type of pituitary tumor and are usually benign (non-cancerous). They develop more frequently in women but are also found in men.

If the pituitary gland and/or the tumor enlarge significantly, it can put pressure on the optic nerve, causing headaches and visual disturbances, and can interfere with the other hormones that the pituitary gland produces.

Know more about Serum Prolactin

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Luteinising Hormone

The Luteinising Hormone test determines the level of luteinizing hormone that promotes the functioning of the gonads, i.e., testes in men and ovaries in women. LH is produced by the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland situated at the base of the brain. The production and release of LH are controlled by a system known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. A hormone called GnRH is released from the hypothalamus of the brain and binds to the cell receptors in the anterior pituitary gland, which in turn prompts the synthesis and release of luteinizing hormone. LH then travels across the blood and attaches to its target cells in the testes in men and ovaries in women to facilitate optimal sexual and reproductive activities.

Know more about Luteinising Hormone

Interpreting FSH, LH & Prolactin results

Interpretations

The reference range of FSH is age- and gender-specific. As for women, the reference range is phase-specific for the menstrual cycle.

The reference range for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is as follows (3rd generation immunochemiluminescence assay):

Females 

·       Age 0-7 years: <6.7 mIU/mL

·       Age 8 years to adult:

·       Follicular phase: 3.1-7.9 mIU/mL

·       Ovulation peak: 2.3-18.5 mIU/mL

·       Luteal phase: 1.4-5.5 mIU/mL

·       Postmenopausal: 30.6-106.3 mIU/mL

Males

·       Age 0-7 years: <6.7 mIU/mL

·       Age 8 years-adult:1.3-19.3 mIU/mL

The following values are considered to be normal, LH blood levels measured in international units per liter (IU/L):

Women:

·       Follicular phase of the menstrual cycle: 1.9 to 12.5 IU/L

·       LH surge: 8.7 to 76.3 IU/L

·       Luteal phase of the menstrual cycle: 0.5 to 16.9 IU/L

·       Pregnancy: less than 1.5 IU/L

·       Post-menopause: 15.9 to 54.0 IU/L

·       Women using contraceptives: 0.7 to 5.6 IU/L

Men:

·       Age group of 20 and 70 years: 0.7 to 7.9 IU/L

·       >70 years of age: 3.1 to 34.0 IU/L

The following values are considered to be normal, prolactin blood levels measured in international units per liter (ng/mL):

Patients (Age)                                           Reference Range(s)

Males ≤ 18 Years

 

  Tanner Stage 1 (< 9.8 Years)    

  Tanner Stage 2 (9.8 - 14.5 Years) 

  Tanner Stage 3 (10.7 - 15.4 Years)  

  Tanner Stage 4 (11.8 - 16.2 Years)   

  Tanner Stage 5 (12.8 - 17.3 Years)    


Males > 18 Years

                   

< 10 ng/mL

< 6.1 ng/mL 

< 6.1 ng/mL

   2.8 - 11.0 ng/mL

   2.8 - 11.0 ng/mL

  

    2.10 - 17.70 ng/mL

In Females ≤ 18 Years

 

  Tanner Stage I (< 9.2 Years)

3.6 - 12.0 ng/mL

  Tanner Stage 2 (9.2 - 13.7 Years)

2.6 - 18.0 ng/mL

  Tanner Stage 3 (10 - 14.4 Years)

2.6 - 18.0 ng/mL

  Tanner Stage 4 (10.7 - 15.6 Years)

3.2 - 20.0 ng/mL

  Tanner Stage 5 (11.8 - 18.6 Years)

3.2 - 20.0 ng/mL

Adult Females

  Non Pregnant                                             

2.80 - 29.20 ng/mL

  Pregnant  

  Post Menopausal

9.70 - 208.50 ng/mL

1.80 - 20.30 ng/mL

The reference range may vary from lab to lab*

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about FSH, LH & Prolactin

Frequently Asked Questions about FSH, LH & Prolactin

Q. Why is an FSH, LH & Prolactin test done?

An FSH, LH & Prolactin test is done to assess the levels of hormones FSH, LH, and Prolactin that are essential for understanding reproductive health and fertility in both men and women.

Q. What are the symptoms of hormonal imbalance in men and women?

Women with hormonal imbalances often experience heavy or irregular periods, mood swings, raised blood sugar levels, bloating, fatigue, excessive facial hair growth, and unexplained weight changes. On the other hand, men with hormonal imbalances may experience hair thinning, hair loss, weight gain/loss, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and depression, and show poor semen parameters, including low sperm count, motility, and morphology, leading to infertility. Consult your doctor to get a better understanding of your hormonal status.

Q. What factors can affect the levels of FSH, LH & Prolactin?

Factors such as stress, physical activity, medications, and underlying health conditions can affect FSH, LH, and Prolactin levels.

Q. What are the common signs and symptoms of pituitary disorders?

The most common signs and symptoms of pituitary disorder include headache, vision problems, unexplained tiredness, irritability, mood swings, changes in the menstrual cycle in women, erectile dysfunction, infertility, inappropriate breast growth, Cushing’s syndrome, and acromegaly.

Q. Which factors can affect my FSH levels?

The levels of FSH can be affected by certain conditions like primary gonadal failure, precocious puberty, Gonadotropin-secreting pituitary tumors, pregnancy, menopause, and drug abuse. The menstrual cycle also affects FSH levels in women; the levels peak during the menstruation and ovulatory phase and are lower during the late follicular and luteal phases (later days of the menstrual cycles).

Q. What happens if the test results show high FSH levels in women?

High levels of FSH in women can indicate loss of ovarian function or ovarian failure, menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome, chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Turner's syndrome), and reduction in the production of good-quality eggs and embryos for fertilization.

Q. What are the causes of high levels of FSH in men?

High levels of FSH in men may indicate Klinefelter’s syndrome, absence of testicles or impaired functioning of testicles, damage to testicles by habits like alcohol dependence, or treatments such as X-rays or chemotherapy.

Q. What do low levels of FSH mean?

Low levels of FSH may indicate decreased ovulation in women, reduced sperm count in men, problems at the level of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, which are the hormone control centers in the brain, and stress.

Q. Can medicines have any effect on the levels of FSH?

Certain medicines can affect the levels of FSH. To prevent false readings, the individual needs to inform the doctor about all the medications they are taking, as some of them can alter the functioning of hormones. Medicines that could increase FSH levels include cimetidine, clomiphene, digitalis, and levodopa. At the same time, medications that decrease FSH levels include hormone replacement therapies, oral contraceptives, and phenothiazines. Taking multivitamins that contain biotin or vitamin B7 may also affect the accuracy of the FSH test. Doctors usually recommend that a woman should not take these supplements for at least 12 hours before a test.

Q. Can levels of FSH vary during different days of the menstrual cycle?

Yes, FSH levels in women change throughout the menstrual cycle. Its levels peak during the menstruation and ovulatory phase and plummet during the late follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle.

Q. Is prolactin hormone present in men?

Yes, prolactin hormone is present in men. High levels of prolactin have been associated with low sex drive and decreased erectile function.

Q. What is prolactinoma?

Prolactinoma is a non-cancerous tumor of the pituitary gland in which there is excessive production of prolactin. This condition is more common in women as compared to men. It leads to a decrease in estrogen hormone in women and testosterone hormone in men.

Q. What are the signs and symptoms of prolactinoma?

The signs and symptoms of prolactinoma in males include erectile dysfunction, decreased hair on the face and the body, and enlarged breasts. While in females, it can cause symptoms such as irregular or absence of menstrual periods, milky discharge from the breasts even if the female is not pregnant or breastfeeding, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, acne, and excessive hair growth on the face and body.

Q. What happens if my prolactin levels are lower than the normal range?

If your prolactin levels are below the normal range, this could mean your pituitary gland is not functioning properly. This is known as hypopituitarism. However, lower levels of prolactin usually do not need any medical treatment.

Q. What foods can increase my prolactin levels?

Yes, foods such as barley (jau), fennel (saunf), fenugreek (methi) seeds, oats, whole wheat, brown rice, and papaya can increase the levels of prolactin. These foods are considered to be helpful in milk production in new mothers.

Q. What foods can lower my prolactin levels?

Yes, foods rich in vitamin B6 like bananas, potatoes, chicken, or spinach, foods rich in zinc (e.g., beef, turkey, beans, shellfish), and zinc supplements can decrease prolactin levels.

Q. What conditions can affect the functioning of ovaries that lead to increased LH levels?

The conditions that can affect the function of the ovary and cause an increased level of LH include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal disease, and thyroid disease.

Q. What happens when LH levels are high?

In females, the rise in LH triggers ovulation and also affects progesterone levels. However, too high LH is associated with polycystic ovary syndrome and infertility. Further, high levels of LH cause early puberty, poor sperm morphology as well as motility, and indicate damaged testicles in males.

Q. What happens when LH levels are low?

Low LH levels can signify that your pituitary gland is not making sufficient LH which is needed to induce changes in your body that support sexual development or reproduction.

Q. What foods increase levels of luteinizing hormone?

Food items that can increase LH levels include salmon, chia seeds, oysters, walnuts, avocado, cinnamon, cashews, almonds, and flaxseeds.

Q. Can lifestyle changes affect FSH, LH, and Prolactin levels?

Yes, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, reducing stress, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption can influence the levels of these hormones.
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References

  1. Orlowski M, Sarao MS. Physiology, Follicle Stimulating Hormone [Internet]. Treasure Island, Florida: StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan. [Accessed 01 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535442/External Link
  2. O'Herlihy C, Pepperell RJ, Evans JH. The significance of FSH elevation in young women with disorders of ovulation. Br Med J. 1980 Nov 29;281(6253):1447-50. [Accessed 01 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1714809/ External Link
  3. Raju GA, Chavan R, Deenadayal M, Gunasheela D, Gutgutia R, Haripriya G, Govindarajan M, Patel NH, Patki AS. Luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone synergy: A review of role in controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation. J Hum Reprod Sci. 2013 Oct;6(4):227-34. [Accessed 01 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3963304/ External Link
  4. Simoni M, Weinbauer GF, Gromoll J, Nieschlag E. Role of FSH in male gonadal function. Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 1999 Jul;60(2):102-6. [Accessed 01 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10456180/#:~:text=In%20the%20male%20FSH%20is,maintenance%20of%20normal%20sperm%20production. External Link
  5. Santi D, Crépieux P, Reiter E, Spaggiari G, Brigante G, Casarini L, Rochira V, Simoni M. Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH) Action on Spermatogenesis: A Focus on Physiological and Therapeutic Roles. J Clin Med. 2020 Apr 3;9(4):1014. [Accessed 01 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230878/ External Link
  6. Behre HM. Clinical Use of FSH in Male Infertility. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2019 May 24;10:322. [Accessed 01 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6543808/ External Link
  7. Arslan AA, Zeleniuch-Jacquotte A, Lukanova A, Rinaldi S, Kaaks R, Toniolo P. Reliability of follicle-stimulating hormone measurements in serum. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2003 Jun 18;1:49. [Accessed 01 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC165593/#:~:text=FSH%20levels%20peak%20during%20the,result%20of%20ovarian%20function%20cessation. External Link
  8. Gordetsky J, van Wijngaarden E, O'Brien J. Redefining abnormal follicle-stimulating hormone in the male infertility population. BJU Int. 2012 Aug;110(4):568-72. [Accessed 01 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22177092/#:~:text=FSH%20reflects%20the%20status%20of,may%20indicate%20primary%20testicular%20failure. External Link
  9. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (Blood) [Internet]. Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Medical Center; [Accessed 01 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=follicle_stimulating_hormone External Link
  10. Nedresky D, Singh G. Physiology, Luteinizing Hormone [Internet]. Treasure Island, Florida: StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan. [Accessed 01 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539692/ External Link
  11. Luteinizing Hormone [Internet]. Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Medical Center; [Accessed 01 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=167&ContentID=luteinizing_hormone_blood External Link
  12. Al-Chalabi M, Bass AN, Alsalman I. Physiology, Prolactin [Internet]. Treasure Island, Florida: StatPearls Publishing; Jan. 2023. [Accessed 01 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507829/External Link
  13. Utiger R. Prolactin [Internet]. Britannica; 14 Jul. 2023. [Accessed 01 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://www.britannica.com/science/prolactinExternal Link
  14. Prolactin [Internet]. ScienceDirect; [Accessed 01 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/prolactinExternal Link
  15. Freeman ME, Kanyicska B, Lerant A, et al. Prolactin: Structure, Function, and Regulation of Secretion. Physiological Reviews. 2000;80(4):1523-1631. [Accessed 01 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.2000.80.4.1523External Link
  16. Prolactin (Blood) [Internet]. Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Medical Center; [Accessed 01 Nov. 2023]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=prolactin_blood External Link
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