DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2013.v01i05.001

Pages: 365-368

Request for FSH measurement is one of the routine investigations in the Clinical or Chemical Pathology laboratory. The clinical utility of the test depends on the understanding of requesting clinician, and in most cases for investigation of primary or secondary infertility. However, since the introduction of reproductive Biotechnology otherwise known as assisted reproductive technology, the clinical utility of FSH measurement has undergone important revolutionary changes. Today, the marker is used in diagnosis, prediction of fecundity, ovarian reserve. Though some of these uses have not been properly validated.This research aimed to explore the diagnostic and predictive values of early follicular phase FSH measurement as an epidemiological tool in screening patients with reproductive diseases including polycystic ovarian syndrome in low resources or low in-come countries, In this study,involved 54 subjects, data showed that 4% had FSH suggestive of POF which is a clear indication of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. In addition FSH was found to be directly associated with age, this is important in family planning program. Furthermore, for the first time, data showed that length of menstrual flow may be associated with either increased or decreased level of follicular phase FSH. In conclusion, this study shows that, in Eastern Nigeria, 4% of females at early reproductive age who are below the usually age at which POF may be suspected, may be diagnosed of POF. This shows that the signs of hypergonadotrophism are more likely to be seen in studied population at younger age than expected elsewhere. This is important for both scientists and clinicians working at this studied area.