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Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

(continued)

What Affects the Test

Results of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) test may be affected by:

The use of hormones, such as testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone (including birth control pills).
Heavy cigarette smoking.
Age.
The use of medicines, such as cimetidine, clomiphene, digitalis, and levodopa. Make sure your doctor has a complete list of all the prescription and over-the-counter medicines you are taking, including herbs and natural substances.
Having a test such as a thyroid scan or bone scan that uses a radioactive substance within 1 week of the FSH test.

What To Think About

If you are taking a medicine that contains testosterone, estrogen, or progesterone (such as birth control pills), ask your doctor whether you should stop taking it for several days before having a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) test.

Citations
Pagana KD, Pagana TJ (2010). Mosby’s Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier.
Other Works Consulted
Chernecky CC, Berger BJ (2008). Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures, 5th ed. St. Louis: Saunders.
Fischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2009). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Pagana KD, Pagana TJ (2010). Mosby’s Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Femi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Revised	May 18, 2011

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 18, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.