The function of FSH in the body of a woman is to stimulate the growth and maturation of follicles in the ovary . And also the hormone enhances the synthesis of estrogens.
FSH indices
The FSH norm in women varies depending on the day of the menstrual cycle. And also on the level of the hormone affect the age characteristics of the body. This hormone begins to be actively released during the first days of menstruation, and in the middle of the cycle the normal values of FSH decrease. The amount of this hormone in the blood is increased during puberty. And it is worth noting that with the onset of menopause, the level of the hormone remains elevated constantly.
The norm of indices of FSH is most often expressed in international units per liter (mU / l). Usually, the hormone level should be determined during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, that is, approximately 3-5 days. In addition, blood on the definition of FSH should be given on an empty stomach, like many other hormones.
Now it is more detailed about what is the norm of FSH in women in different periods of the menstrual cycle. In the follicular phase, its level is usually from 2.8 mU / L to 11.3 mU / L, and in the luteal phase from 1.2 mU / L to 9 mU / L.
The norm of FSH during pregnancy deserves special attention. During this period, the level of the hormone remains low, since there is no need for the maturation of new follicles in the ovaries.
An important aspect in the accuracy of determining the level of the hormone is not only the right day for delivery, but also the following recommendations:
- For a couple of days before the study, stop taking steroid hormones.
- Before research, do not smoke, do not drink alcohol.
- It is advisable to avoid physical overstrain or emotional distress a day before taking blood. Since this can affect the concentration of the hormone in the blood and thus lead to false results.
Changes in FSH level
If the analysis for determining the FSH norm in women shows an insufficient amount of a hormone, this can contribute to the appearance of the following symptoms:
- absence of ovulation, which leads to the impossibility of pregnancy;
- atrophic changes in genital organs and mammary glands;
- violation of the menstrual cycle (usually characterized by poor menstruation).
And if the hormone FSH is higher than normal, then in this case, women are concerned about the abundant uterine bleeding. And the menses can not exist at all.
Changes in the normal level of FSH in women most often cause diseases of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and ovaries. A decrease in the level is observed with obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome. Also lowers the content of FSH in the blood of taking steroids and anabolic drugs. A rise can be with the following diseases and conditions:
- tumor-like formation in the hypothalamic-pituitary system;
- endometriosis;
- exposure to X-rays;
- taking medications such as cimetidine, clomiphene, danazol, hydrocortisone, levodopa, naloxone, metformin and others.
- ovarian diseases, which are accompanied by a deficiency in their function.
It is known that the abuse of alcoholic beverages may be the reason for the increase in FSH.
Recovery of FSH
As is known, in order to normalize FSH, it is necessary to treat the underlying disease. After all, without eliminating the cause that caused such a hormonal imbalance , you can not wait for a long-term effect. With moderate abnormalities, homeopathic medicines such as Cyclodinone will help restore hormone levels. When the content of FSH in the blood is increased, substitution treatment with estrogen is also used. Thus, the main symptoms will be eliminated.