| Description | Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a glygoprotein produced by the anterior pituitary gland. In the female, FSH stimulates follicular growth, prepares ovarian follicles for action by LH and enhances the LH induced release of estrogen. FSH levels are elevated after menopause, castration and in premature ovarian failure. Although there are significant exceptions ovarian failure is indicated when random FSH concentrations exceed 40 mIU/ml. In the male, FSH stimulates seminiferous tubule and testicular growth and is involved in the early stages of spermatogenesis. Oligospermic males usually have elevated FSH levels. Tumors of the testes generally depress serum FSH concentrations, but levels of LH are elevated. High levels of FSH in men may be |
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