Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a glycoprotein released by the pituitary gland and controlled by the hypothalamic hormone GnRH. It is composed of two different subunits, α and ß.
The α subunit is structurally
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a glycoprotein released by the pituitary gland and controlled by the hypothalamic hormone GnRH. It is composed of two different subunits, α and ß.
The α subunit is structurally similar to the one of other glycoprotein hormones (TSH, LH, hCG), while the ß subunit is a specific hormone.
In females the hormone regulates the growth and maturation of the ovarian follicle. An increase in the concentration is observed before the ovulation, with a simultaneous increase in the concentration of the luteinizing hormone (LH). The FSH assay is useful for the monitoring of the menstrual cycle and for the diagnosis of pituitary ovarian axis disorder.
High concentrations can be detected in case of premature menopause, Turner syndrome, ovarian agenesis, ovariectomy. Low concentrations are detectable in case of amenorrhea, anovulatory cycle, hypopituitarism, ovarian neoplasia.
In males the hormone regulates the spermatogenesis. High concentrations can be detected in case of testicular agenesis, anorchia, orchiectomy, delayed puberty; low concentrations are found in case of testicular disorder, hypopituitarism, female testicular syndrome, testicular neoplasia.
