Clinical Significance

Follicle-stimulating hormone is a hormone synthesized and secreted by the pituitary gland and belongs to the group of glycosylated protein hormones, named after the first discovery of its stimulatory effect on the maturation of female follicles. Subsequent studies have shown that follicle stimulating hormone is one of the most important hormones in both sexes, regulating development, growth, pubertal sexual maturation, and a series of physiological processes related to reproduction. 

Follicle stimulating hormone is one of the endocrine tests that promote the development and maturation of follicles and can promote ovulation, and follicle stimulating hormone testing is clinically important for the treatment of infertility.

If the FSH level is increased, it indicates that the woman has poor ovarian function and may have conditions such as ovarian hypoplasia, primary amenorrhea, and precocious pituitary gland. If the FSH level is lower than normal, she may have a condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome.