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Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

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
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 25, 2007
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