🧬 Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) & Luteinising Hormone (LH)
Key hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle, ovulation, and fertility.

🔍 What is it?

FSH and LH are reproductive hormones released by the pituitary gland in your brain. They work together to regulate the menstrual cycle, stimulate egg development, and trigger ovulation.

In women, imbalances in these hormones can affect fertility, periods, and menopause timing. In men, they help control sperm production and testosterone levels.

🧪 What does it measure?

• FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone):
  Helps stimulate the growth of ovarian follicles in women and sperm production in men.
  High levels can indicate low ovarian reserve or menopause.
• LH (Luteinising Hormone):
  Triggers ovulation and supports the production of progesterone.
  Elevated levels may suggest PCOS or other hormonal conditions.

❓ Why might I need it?

You may be advised to take this test if you:

• 🩸 Have irregular or absent periods
• 🍼 Are trying to conceive or are undergoing fertility treatment
• 🧓 Suspect early or delayed menopause
• 🔁 Have symptoms of PCOS (e.g. acne, excess hair, irregular periods)
• ♂️ Are male and experiencing low sperm count or low libido
• ❌ Have ovarian or testicular dysfunction
• 💊 Are monitoring response to fertility medications (e.g. clomid)

🧬 Conditions it can help detect or monitor:

• Menopause or perimenopause
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Hypothalamic amenorrhoea (low hormone levels due to stress, weight loss, or over-exercise)
• Primary ovarian insufficiency
• Male infertility

🩺 How is it done?

• 💉 A blood test, often taken on day 2–5 of your cycle (for women)
• ♂️ Men can be tested any time
• ⏱️ Results available within 1–3 working days

💷 Typical Private Cost in the UK:

£50–£120 for both hormones
May be included in hormone or fertility panels

✅ Commonly Combined With:

• Oestradiol (Estrogen) – to assess ovarian function
• AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) – indicates ovarian reserve
• Progesterone (Day 21 Test) – to confirm ovulation
• Thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4) – thyroid imbalance can affect reproductive health
• Prolactin – to rule out hormone-secreting tumours or pituitary issues

📚 References:

• NHS – [Hormone blood tests for fertility]
• NICE – [Fertility problems: assessment and treatment]
• Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)