FSH LH and Prolactin

FSH, LH, and Prolactin Panel measures the levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin in the blood of both men and women to ensure a healthy reproductive system. These hormones are produced in the anterior pituitary gland. It helps the sex organs in both men and women during sexual development.

In women, FSH and LH help in menstruation, ovulation, and puberty. Prolactin helps in the production of breast milk in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. In men, FSH and LH stimulate the production of testosterone that is necessary for the production of sperms. The exact role of prolactin in men is unknown. However, small amounts of prolactin are produced in both men and women that help to measure the sexual satisfaction in both men and women.

Why this test is performed?

This test is performed mainly to asses the functions of reproductive organs, fertility issues, ovulation process, and function of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. In women, your doctor may ask you to perform this test if you exhibit irregular or heavy menstrual periods, difficulty getting pregnant or fertility issues or if you suspect menopause, and/or to detect any pituitary or hypothalamus problems. In men, your doctor may ask you to perform this test if you exhibit low sperm count, fertility issues, or signs of low testosterone levels such as decreased sex drive, low muscle mass, and/or to detect any pituitary or hypothalamus problems.

This test result explains a diagnosis regarding infertility. The levels of each hormone help to assess the fertility issues, functions of reproductive organs, and pituitary gland or hypothalamus functions.

If the test result falls in the normal reference range, generally no medical intervention is necessary.

In women, the increased levels of FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH) may indicate a condition called primary ovarian failure, where the ovaries fail to function properly. Many conditions such as autoimmune disorders, ovarian tumors, Turner syndrome (a genetic abnormality), polycystic ovary syndrome, menopause, and adrenal or thyroid disease, etc. may lead to primary ovarian failure. Women with underdeveloped ovaries and women undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also exhibit increased levels of FSH and LH. Decreased levels of FSH and LH may indicate a condition called secondary ovarian failure. This condition is due to the problem with pituitary or hypothalamus glands. This fails to stimulate the ovaries and ovarian function leading to ovulatory problems.

In men, the increased levels of FSH and LH may indicate a condition called primary testicular failure, where the testes fail to function properly. There are many causes for this condition such as autoimmune disorders, some type of cancers, Klinefelter syndrome (a genetic abnormality), viral infection such as mumps, and trauma, etc. In men whose testes are underdeveloped and men undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy also shows increased levels of FSH and LH. Decreased levels of FSH and LH may indicate a condition called secondary testicular failure. This condition is due to the problem with pituitary or hypothalamus glands. This fails to produce sufficient male sex hormone, testosterone affecting the development of male characteristics and fertility. Lack of sexual drive, fatigue, low muscle mass, sexual dysfunction are common in men with low testosterone levels.

Small amounts of prolactin are produced in the blood of both men and non-pregnant women. However, high levels of prolactin are normal during pregnancy and in breastfeeding women. A moderate increase in prolactin levels may be seen in individuals with stress due to an illness, seizures, lung cancer, or chest wall trauma, etc. However, high levels of prolactin in men and non- pregnant women can be due to conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, hypothyroidism, an eating disorder (anorexia nervosa), hypothalamus or pituitary disorders, and infertility issues, etc. Polycystic ovary syndrome is also a reason for high levels of prolactin in women.

Abnormally high levels of prolactin in both men and women are called prolactinoma, a condition in which a noncancerous pituitary tumor overproduces the prolactin in the body. Symptoms of prolactinoma in women are an unexplained flow of breast milk (galactorrhea), visual impairment, a headache, abnormal growth of body and facial hair, acne, irregular menstrual periods, vaginal dryness, and pain or discomfort during sex, etc. Symptoms of prolactinoma in men are visual impairment, headache, abnormal growth of body and facial hair, erectile dysfunction, decreased sex drive, and very uncommonly enlarged breasts etc.

If you have higher or lower than normal levels of FSH, LH, and Prolactin in blood, consult your doctor for further instructions. Based on the test results, your doctor may advise you appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, and further diagnostic tests.