FSH, or Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, is a hormone produced by the brain’s pituitary gland in both men and women. It plays quite a crucial role in the reproductive system. Typically, FSH levels are commonly tested on day 3 of a woman’s menstrual cycle to assess ovarian function, determine ovarian reserve, and evaluate fertility by monitoring the hormone’s role in stimulating egg maturation in the ovaries. High levels of FSH may indicate diminished ovarian reserve or issues with reproductive health. So, a lower level is preferred.
Many people ask the question, “Can FSH be lowered?” The answer to this is quite complicated, which we will tackle in this blog.
Can You Lower My FSH Level? Table of Contents
What Is FSH?
FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) is a hormone produced and released by the pituitary gland. It plays quite a critical role in the sexual development and reproduction of both men and women. Particularly in women, this hormone stimulates the development of ovarian follicles within the ovary before the release of an egg from a single follicle during ovulation. FSH is examined on days 2-4 of the menstrual cycle. As a dominant follicle develops, it, in turn, sends certain signals (inhibin-B) that will suppress FSH release (negative feedback).
Insufficient egg production in the ovaries can cause high FSH levels. While this can cause stress and anxiety for many women, it is essential to note that it is still possible to get pregnant.
Normal FSH levels
Normal levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) depend on factors such as age and sex organs. It’s crucial to note that the acceptable ranges for FSH levels may differ between labs.
High FSH levels are often associated with reduced egg quality. An ideal level is typically below 10 mIU/mL, although certain sources define a normal range of 3.5-12.5 mIU/mL.
Read more: How To Improve Egg Quality After 40
Read more: Top Foods To Improve Female Egg Quality
FSH Levels Vary
FSH levels can fluctuate throughout your cycle. As such, a single elevated FSH reading does not necessarily indicate fertility issues related to FSH, as further readings may return to normal due to natural bodily cycles.
In the case of a high reading. It’s wise to get another test to ensure its accuracy. It’s important to know that the highest FSH reading tends to be a more reliable predictor of one’s response to fertility treatment, even in the presence of a mix of high and low readings.
Some clinics might have FSH limits for IVF, so it’s best to talk to a doctor for any inquiries or concerns.
Causes Of High FSH
High FSH levels can be caused by various factors, both naturally and medically:
Natural Changes:
- Menopause: As ovarian function declines with age, FSH levels rise in an attempt to keep egg production going.
- Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): This early ovarian decline leads to elevated FSH due to the body’s compensatory effort.
Medical Conditions
- Turner Syndrome: This chromosomal abnormality causes depletion of eggs resulting in high FSH levels.
- Ovarian Resistance Syndrome: This rare condition causes the ovaries to be unresponsive to FSH, resulting in a feedback loop that drives FSH levels up.
Can You Lower My FSH Level?
While elevated FSH and reduced ovarian reserve can be concerning, it’s important to understand their limitations as indicators. Now, can the FSH level be lowered? Yes, FSH levels can be lowered with medications such as estrogen tablets. However, this does not directly address the underlying issue, which is egg quality. As such, the main focus should be on the egg quality. Bringing FSH down with medication will not improve the ovarian reserve and the number of eggs.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that dietary changes, intake of certain herbal supplements, exercising and reducing stress can lower FSH. Moreover, in a study conducted wherein participants received electroacupuncture (EA) over 12 weeks, it was found that a significant decrease in mean follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. However, these studies need to be substantiated.
Can You Improve Egg Quality?
Improving egg quality is possible through various fertility supplements, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes avoiding smoking, limiting caffeine intake, and engaging in regular exercise, is a good way to go about it.
Since eggs take over 90 days to develop and ovulate, it’s best to start any lifestyle modifications, supplement intake, acupuncture, or dietary changes approximately three to four months before trying to get pregnant.
Taking care if High Bp, high sugars and antibodies to thyroid can help.
How can Fertiltree Help
For individuals dealing with infertility and its related issues, FertilTree provides comprehensive counselling, covering medical, surgical, and genetic aspects of infertility. The center addresses ovulatory disorders and endocrine problems and offers endoscopic procedures and surgical management of infertility.
One of the top IVF centers in India, FertilTree uses state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies for various fertility treatments, including In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) and more.
Read more: IUI vs IVF
Read more: Symptoms of IUI pregnancy
FertilTree is more than equipped to help individuals facing challenges in achieving pregnancy due to high FSH levels.
Read more: PRP Fertility Treatment Guide
To Sum It Up
While it is possible to lower FSH levels through medical means such as estrogen or birth control pills, it’s essential to note that addressing the underlying issue, diminished ovarian reserve, is the main concern.
FAQs
What is the normal FSH level for age?
Normal FSH level varies based on age and gender. Additionally, it can also differ between laboratories.
For Individuals Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB):
| Before Puberty: | 0 to 4.0 mIU/mL |
| During Puberty | 0.3 to 10.0 mIU/mL |
| While Menstruating | 4.7 to 21.5 mIU/mL |
| After Menopause | 25.8 to 134.8 mIU/mL |
For Individuals Assigned Male at Birth (AMAB):
| Before Puberty: | 0 to 5.0 mIU/mL |
| During Puberty | 0.3 to 10.0 mIU/mL. |
| Adulthood | 1.5 to 12.4 mIU/mL. |
What do FSH levels tell you?
The FSH level test provides information about the concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in your blood. Monitoring FSH levels can help assess reproductive health and identify potential fertility issues. It’s important to note that normal FSH ranges vary with age, sex, and specific life stages, such as puberty, menstruation, and menopause.
What foods decrease FSH levels?
Soy protein, found in edamame, tofu, and soymilk, may naturally decrease FSH levels in premenopausal women. Additionally, supplements like DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) and omega-3 fatty acids have been known to lower FSH.
What causes FSH to increase?
High FSH levels are often caused by low ovarian reserve, indicating fewer immature follicles and reduced estrogen. This condition suggests issues with ovarian function, low ovarian reserve, or the beginning of menopause.
Can I get pregnant with high FSH?
Yes, it is possible to get pregnant even with high levels of FSH. However, it is rare.
Does low FSH mean infertility?
No, low FSH levels don’t necessarily mean infertility, but it can lead to it. Follicles require Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) for stimulation, which is crucial for the production of eggs and ovulation. Such a condition may be seen when a woman’s pituitary gland or the hypothalamus gland is not working.
Can PCOS cause high FSH levels?
No, in PCOS, low or normal FSH levels are seen. According to the Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago, women with polycystic ovaries typically exhibit a higher LH to FSH ratio, such as 2:1 or even 3:1. In cases of PCOS, FSH levels are often in the range of about 4-8, while LH levels can be higher, ranging from 10-20.
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