Test Description

FSH and LH are produced by the pituitary gland. LH and FSH together stimulate the growth and maturation of the follicle and hence the biosynthesis of estrogen and progesterone. The highest LH concentrations occur during the middle of the menstrual cycle peak and induce ovulations and formation of the corpus luteum (hormone secreting structure formed in the ovaries after a woman ovulates), the principal secretion product being progesterone. FSH and LH levels can aid in differentiating between primary and secondary ovarian failure.

Control of FSH production is a complex system involving the hypothalamus in the brain, the pituitary gland, and the hormones produced by the ovaries or testicles. The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary to release FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH), a closely related hormone also involved in reproduction.

When should this test be ordered?
For women, this test may be ordered when infertility (difficulty getting pregnant) is suspected or to aid in the cause of irregular menstrual periods or the absence there of. This test may also be used in both men and women when a healthcare practitioner suspect a pituitary disorder. A Pituitary disorder can affect the production of several hormones. In men, these tests may be used to evaluate testicular failure, assess low sperm count or low muscle mass.
High Risk · Male: <= 1.4 (mIU/mL) & >= 12.5 (mIU/mL)
Results for FSH and LH are typically considered together.
Borderline Risk · None
None determined for this test.
Low Risk · Male: 1.5-12.4 (mIU/mL)
Within Reference Range
Testing Method Used
Sandwich principle: streptavidin-coated microparticles with ruthenium complex.

Sample is stable for 14 days at 2-8°C.

Please ship samples daily.
Improvements and Prevention
Your doctor may recommend hormone therapy treatment depending on your results and a complete evaluation of other test results.
Specimen Type
Serum
Fasting Required
Yes
Drawing and Processing
  1. Draw from a vein into a SST tubetube1
  2. Invert tube (do not shake) 1-2 times to mix adequately
  3. Let stand upright in tube rack for 30 minutes
  4. Centrifuge for 15 minutes at 3300rpm
  5. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour
  6. Keep cold in a refrigerator to maintain stability, until ready to ship
Shipping Instructions
  1. Freeze ice packs 24 hours prior to use
  2. Place ice packs inside the Styrofoam insulated kit
  3. Place processed tubes inside biohazard bag, place inside kit
  4. Seal box, print airbill and adhere to box and wait for courier to pick up
Rejection Criteria
QNS; temperature out of range upon receipt; grossly hemolyzed; if grossly lipemic, will run as a diluted sample; wrong specimen type; sample stability exceeded for this analyte; unlabeled or mislabeled specimen
References
1. Borawski D, Bluth MH. Reproductive function and pregnancy. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 25.
2. Gruber HA, Farag AF. Evaluation of endocrine function. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 24.
3. Melmed S, Kleinberg D, Ho K. Pituitary physiology and diagnostic evaluation. In: Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 8.

The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used or substituted as medical advice. You should consult a healthcare practitioner regarding medical diagnosis or treatment.