FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) Explained
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[Glossary · How doses act in the body]

FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)

Also called FSH, follicle-stimulating hormone, follitropin · Reviewed

Definition: FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) is a hormone made by the pituitary gland. In men, MedlinePlus says FSH helps control how much sperm the testicles make and how healthy it is. In women, it drives the growth of eggs in the ovaries. An FSH test measures it in a blood sample.

Why it shows up on labs when you track doses

FSH is tied to fertility. The Xyosted label says large doses of outside androgens may suppress sperm production through feedback inhibition of pituitary FSH, which could affect semen, and that androgens may lead to azoospermia (no sperm in the semen). The Depo-Testosterone label says much the same.

Like LH, FSH helps locate the cause of low testosterone. The Xyosted label says gonadotropins are usually above the normal range when the testicles are the problem, and normal or low when the pituitary or brain is.

MedlinePlus says FSH is often tested together with LH, along with estrogen, testosterone and progesterone.

Common mix-ups

  • High is not always a pituitary problem. MedlinePlus says higher FSH often points to the ovaries or testicles not making enough hormone, with the pituitary making more FSH to push them.
  • Cycle timing. People with periods may need the test on a set day of the cycle, because FSH changes through the month.
  • Home urine FSH kits can only show higher-than-normal FSH. MedlinePlus says they should not be used to check whether you can become pregnant.

Each lab sets its own reference range, so read your result against the range printed on your own report, and talk with your clinician about what it means for you.

Read more on Dose Track: Fertility on TRT · Logging lab results in Dose Track

General education drawn from labels and published studies, not personal medical advice. Your prescriber, pharmacist and the label that came with your product are the final word.
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Frequently asked questions

Why do testosterone labels mention FSH?+
The Xyosted and Depo-Testosterone labels say large doses of outside androgens may suppress sperm production through feedback on pituitary FSH.
Is FSH tested on its own?+
Usually not. MedlinePlus says it is often tested with LH, and with sex hormones such as testosterone or estrogen.

Sources

  1. MedlinePlus (NIH): Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Levels Test
  2. Xyosted (testosterone enanthate) US prescribing information, sections 1, 5 and 12.3, DailyMed
  3. Depo-Testosterone (testosterone cypionate) US prescribing information, DailyMed

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