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Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

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Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) helps control a woman's menstrual cycle and egg production, as well as a man's sperm production. FSH is produced by the pituitary gland.

Women's FSH levels normally vary throughout the menstrual cycle and are highest just before release of an egg (ovulation). Men's FSH levels normally stay at a constant level. An abnormally high or low level of FSH is often a sign of an inability to produce eggs or sperm.

Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated: 05/25/2007

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