How Follicle Stimulating Hormone(FSH) works

In females, Follicle Stimulating Hormone(FSH) helps in the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation) who are not ovulating and also helps in developing more follicles (eggs) in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology procedures. In males, it helps in producing sperms which are due to a low level of hormones.

Side Effects

Rash, Headache, Injection site allergic reaction, Abdominal pain, Acne, Swelling of breast in male, Gastrointestinal discomfort, Ovarian cysts

Usage

Follicle Stimulating Hormone(FSH) is used in the treatment of female infertility and male hypogonadism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is follicle stimulating hormone/ what does it mean/what is it used for/what is its function?

Follicle stimulating hormone is a gonadotropin hormone released naturally by the pituitary gland in the brain. It has important roles in the regulating the release of eggs (ovulation) in women, production of sperms in men and is important for reproduction and fertility. Follicle stimulating hormone is used to treat infertility problems in women and men

Q. How does follicle stimulating hormone work?

It works by Stimulating development of follicles (fluid filled structures that hold the growing egg in the ovaries and release the mature egg during ovulation) in the ovaries , regulating levels of sex hormone estrogen and stimulating release of egg (ovulation) in women. Production of sperms (men) in men

Q. What is follicle stimulating hormone test?

Follicle hormone test is a blood test that measures the levels of follicle stimulating hormone in the blood. It is usually conducted in men and women who have infertility problems or other problems related to the reproductive system

Q. How does follicle stimulating hormone affect the male reproductive system?

Follicle stimulating hormone supports production of sperms in the testes. It stimulates the production of proteins and nutrients required for growth and maturation of sperm cells

Q. Is follicle stimulating hormone a steroid/peptide/water soluble hormone?

Follicle stimulating hormone is a glycoprotein hormone (carbohydrate groups attached to a peptide chain). It is a water soluble hormone

Q. Where follicle stimulating hormone is produced in the body/ where does follicle stimulating hormone come from?

Follicle stimulating hormone is produced and released from the pituitary gland in the brai

Q. What does follicle stimulating hormone target/control?

Follicle stimulating hormone targets the gonads i.e. ovaries in females and testes in males to control important functions related to reproduction and fertility

Q. How is follicle stimulating hormone regulated?

The release of follicle stimulating hormone by the pituitary is controlled by a hormone called gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) which is released by the hypothalamus in the brain

Q. How does follicle stimulating hormone control the production of estrogen?

Follicle stimulating hormone stimulates the development of follicles (fluid filled structures that hold the growing egg in the ovaries and release the mature egg during ovulation) in the ovaries that release hormone estrogen. It also regulates the activity of an enzyme called aromatase which is involved in the synthesis of estrogen.