LH & FSH
Understanding LH & FSH
What is LH & FSH?
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) test measure the level of these two hormones in the blood. FSH is a hormone released by the pituitary gland that helps control the menstrual cycle and the production of eggs in women, and the production of sperm in men. LH is a hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, it helps regulate the menstrual cycle in women, and the production of testosterone in men. In women theses tests are used to find out the cause of infertility, irregular periods and to observe time of ovulation. In men, these tests are suggested to check the reason of infertility, low sperm count, and low sex drive.
What is LH & FSH used for?
The LH & FSH test is done:
- To evaluate conditions in menopause and postmenopausal women
- To evaluate Early or delayed puberty
- To diagnose Ovarian cysts/Polycystic ovary syndrome
- To evaluate Abnormal vaginal/menstrual bleeding
- To diagnose infertility (in both men and women)
- To evaluate conditions that affect the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland
- To detect condition of women of childbearing age who are not ovulating
- To detect Anorchia (testes that are not functioning or are absent) and genetic problems like Klinefelter syndrome
- To detect overactive endocrine glands or tumor formation
What does LH & FSH measure?
Contains 2 testsLuteinising 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.
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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.
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