Synonym(s)
Follicle stimulating hormone
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Glycoprotein hormone produced in the adenohypophysis, which predominantly controls the excretory function of the gonads; thus, the germinal epithelium is continuously stimulated in men (spermiogenesis in the tests) and cyclically in women (follicle maturation in the ovaries); the release occurs by pulsatile secretion of GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone) from the hypothalamus and is subject to an endogenous feedback mechanism.S.a. GnRH and LH.
General informationThis section has been translated automatically.
Reference ranges (U7l)
Reference range women (U/l)
- Follicular phase: 2-10
- Ovulation phase: 8-20
- Luteal phase: 2-8
- Postmenopause: >20
Reference range men (U/l)
- Prepubertal: <0,5
- Postpubertal: 1.2-10.1
Clinical pictureThis section has been translated automatically.
Increased values (women):
- primary ovarian failure (postmenopause, premature ovarian failure, gonadal dysgenesis, polycystic ovaries)
Elevated values (men):
- primary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (e.g. Klinefelder syndrome), tubule damage, dysfunction of spermatogenesis, reduction of germinal cells
Humiliated values (women):
- sec. Ovarian insufficiency due to hypopituitarism, hypothalamic dysfunction (e.g. Kallmann syndrome), pituitary tumours, medication (ovulation inhibitors, sexual steroids)
Humiliated values (men):
- sec. hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, sec. testicular insufficiency, hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunctions
Functional deficiency:
- High-performance sport, serious illness, malnutrition, anorexia nervosa
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Böhm C et al (2017) in: Neumeister B et al. clinical guide to laboratory diagnostics. Urban&Fischer Publisher Munich S. 344-345
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer