Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is FSH?FSH Levels and FertilityWhat Is an FSH Level TestPurpose of FSH Level Test in WomenPurpose of FSH Level Test in MenMedications Can Affect FSH LevelsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is FSH?
FSH Levels and Fertility
What Is an FSH Level Test
Purpose of FSH Level Test in Women
Purpose of FSH Level Test in Men
Medications Can Affect FSH Levels
Frequently Asked Questions
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is important for reproduction. FSH regulates themenstrual cycleand stimulates egg growth in the ovaries. For men, FSH helps make sperm.
However, too little or too much FSH can cause infertility (inability to become pregnant). Knowing your FSH levels can help you understand your reproductive health.
This article will explain FSH levels and how it affects fertility for women and men.
krisanapong detraphiphat / Getty Images
What Is Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)?
In women, FSH increases the body’s production of estradiol, a type ofestrogenthat helps eggs mature and release from the follicle. At the end of your period, estrogen levels are low, signaling the pituitary gland to send more FSH to stimulate eggs in the ovary to grow.This process helps follicles mature and release the egg. Although there could be many follicles; usually only one releases an egg at ovulation. Your body reabsorbs the unused follicles.
FSH stimulates testicular growth in men and makes a protein responsible for creating and maintaining normal sperm cells.
Ablood testcan measure the level of FSH in your body.Luteinizing hormone (LH)works closely with FSH to regulate menstruation, generate the release of an egg from the ovary, produce estrogen in women and testosterone in men. Therefore, FSH and LH levels are drawn in both women and men to help understand their reproductive health.
Testing FSH at HomeHome urine kits, much like a pregnancy test, can be used to check FSH levels. There are also blood sampling kits available; simply poke your finger, drip the blood into the provided container, and mail it to the company. Results take two to five days.
Testing FSH at Home
Home urine kits, much like a pregnancy test, can be used to check FSH levels. There are also blood sampling kits available; simply poke your finger, drip the blood into the provided container, and mail it to the company. Results take two to five days.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 19% of married American women between the ages of 15 and 49 (with no prior births) are unable get pregnant after one year of trying.FSH levels can help identify fertility issues orhormonal imbalances. The following are reasons why a woman may need an FSH level drawn:
FSH Level Test Results in Women
High FSH Levels in Women
High FSH levels can mean your body is working harder to produce the hormone, and you’re not producing quality eggs. Some conditions can cause elevated FSH levels, including:
Hot flashes, irregular periods, skin and hair changes, poor sleep, and the inability to become pregnant are associated with high FSH levels.
Low FSH Levels in Women
Having a low FSH level can indicate:
Symptoms of low FSH levels include delayed puberty, infertility, and irregular menstrual cycles.
Vitamins and FSH LevelsBefore having your FSH level drawn, inform your healthcare provider about any supplements or vitamins you are taking, as some may affect FSH levels. For example, DHEA and Omega 3 fatty acids can lower FSH levels.
Vitamins and FSH Levels
Before having your FSH level drawn, inform your healthcare provider about any supplements or vitamins you are taking, as some may affect FSH levels. For example, DHEA and Omega 3 fatty acids can lower FSH levels.
Fertility is never just a woman’s issue; men can also contribute to infertility. About 40% to 50% of infertility in couples is due to a male factor.The following are reasons why men may need an FSH level drawn:
FSH Level Test Results in Men
Here is the normal FSH level range in men (there may be slight variation according to the lab used):
High FSH Levels in Men
Factors that lead to elevated FSH levels in men include:
Symptoms associated with increased FSH levels in men areloss of libido, tiredness, decreasedsperm count, and moodiness.
Low FSH Levels in Men
Similarly, men with low FSH levels can have pituitary gland orhypothalamus insufficiencies. In addition, low levels of FSH can inhibit the growth of the testicles and cause a low sperm count. Men with a low FSH level can experience erectile dysfunction.
Stress and FSH LevelsPsychological and physiological stressors have proven to increase glucocorticoids production in the body. Increased glucocorticoid levels suppress hormones like FSH, making it more challenging to get pregnant.
Stress and FSH Levels
Psychological and physiological stressors have proven to increase glucocorticoids production in the body. Increased glucocorticoid levels suppress hormones like FSH, making it more challenging to get pregnant.
Certain medications can affect FSH levels. Medications that can increase FSH levels include:
Medications that can lower FSH levels include:
Summary
FSH plays an important role in the reproductive health of both women and men. Too much or too little of the hormone can affect your fertility. A blood test can be done to evaluate your FSH level. Normal FSH levels depend on age, puberty status, and gender. Sometimes medications and lifestyle changes can affect your FSH level.
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for at least a year with no success, then it may be time to see your healthcare provider. There can be some hesitancy about seeking help, fearful of a medical problem. However, you are not alone. Having hormone levels checked is a nearly painless and easy way to help to understand both you and your partner’s reproductive health.
There’s nothing you need to do to prepare for the FSH test. However, your healthcare provider may recommend scheduling the test during a certain phase of your menstrual cycle.
20 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Oduwole OO, Peltoketo H, Huhtaniemi IT.Role of follicle-stimulating hormone in spermatogenesis.Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2018;9:763. doi:10.3389/fendo.2018.00763Bhartiya D, Patel H.An overview of FSH-FSHR biology and explaining the existing conundrums.J Ovarian Res. 2021;14:144.Mount Sinai.Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) blood test.Mihma M, Gangoolyb S, Muttukrishna S.The normal menstrual cycle in women.Animal Reproduction Science. 2011;124(3-4):229-236. doi:10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.08.030Casarini L, Crépieux P, Reiter E, et al.Fsh for the treatment of male infertility.International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020;21(7):2270.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Infertility: Frequently asked questions.MedlinePlus.Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels test.Acharya N, Acharya S, Shukla S, Inamdar SA, Khatri M, Mahajan SN.Gonadotropin levels in hypothyroid women of reproductive age group.J Obstet Gynecol India. 2011;61(5):550-553. doi:10.1007/s13224-011-0079-7Zhang H, Chu Y, Zhou P, et al.Dehydroepiandrosterone plus climen supplementation shows better effects than dehydroepiandrosterone alone on infertility patients with diminished ovarian reserve of low-FSH level undergoing in-vitro fertilization cycles: a randomized controlled trial.Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2016;14:9. doi:10.1186/s12958-016-0139-zAl-Safi ZA, Liu H, Carlson NE, et al.Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation lowers serum fsh in normal weight but not obese women.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(1):324-333. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-2913Kumar N, Singh AK.Trends of male factor infertility, an important cause of infertility: a review of literature.J Hum Reprod Sci. 2015;8(4):191-6. doi:10.4103/0974-1208.170370Nieschlag E.Klinefelter syndrome.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2013;110(20):347-353. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2013.0347Badal J, Ramasamy R, Hakky T, Chandrashekar A, Lipshultz L.Case report: persistent erectile dysfunction in a man with prolactinoma.F1000Res. 2015;4:13. doi:10.12688/f1000research.5743.1Whirledge S, Cidlowski JA.Glucocorticoids, stress, and fertility.Minerva Endocrinol. 2010;35(2):109-125.Salvati G, Genovesi G, Marcellini L, et al.Effects of panax ginseng c. A. Meyer saponins on male fertility.Panminerva Med. 1996;38(4):249-254.Santen RJ, Kulin HE, Loriaux DL, Friend J.Spironolactone stimulation of gonadotropin secretion in boys with delayed adolescence.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1976;43(6):1386-1390. doi:10.1210/jcem-43-6-1386Spona J, Weiss W, Rüdiger E, et al.Effects of low and high dose oral cimetidine on hormone serum levels in patients with peptic ulcers.Endocrinol Exp. 1987;21(2):149-157.Holma P, Adlercreutz H.Effect of an anabolic steroid (Metandienon) on plasma LH-FSH, and testosterone and on the response to intravenous administration of LRH.Acta Endocrinol (Copenh). 1976;83(4):856-864. doi: 10.1530/acta.0.0830856Cohen BL, Katz M.Pituitary and ovarian function in women receiving hormonal contraception.Contraception. 1979;20(5):475-487. doi:10.1016/0010-7824(79)90053-2Gibreel A, Bhattacharya S. Recombinant follitropin alfa/lutropin alfa in fertility treatment.Biologics. 2010;4:5-17.
20 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Oduwole OO, Peltoketo H, Huhtaniemi IT.Role of follicle-stimulating hormone in spermatogenesis.Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2018;9:763. doi:10.3389/fendo.2018.00763Bhartiya D, Patel H.An overview of FSH-FSHR biology and explaining the existing conundrums.J Ovarian Res. 2021;14:144.Mount Sinai.Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) blood test.Mihma M, Gangoolyb S, Muttukrishna S.The normal menstrual cycle in women.Animal Reproduction Science. 2011;124(3-4):229-236. doi:10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.08.030Casarini L, Crépieux P, Reiter E, et al.Fsh for the treatment of male infertility.International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020;21(7):2270.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Infertility: Frequently asked questions.MedlinePlus.Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels test.Acharya N, Acharya S, Shukla S, Inamdar SA, Khatri M, Mahajan SN.Gonadotropin levels in hypothyroid women of reproductive age group.J Obstet Gynecol India. 2011;61(5):550-553. doi:10.1007/s13224-011-0079-7Zhang H, Chu Y, Zhou P, et al.Dehydroepiandrosterone plus climen supplementation shows better effects than dehydroepiandrosterone alone on infertility patients with diminished ovarian reserve of low-FSH level undergoing in-vitro fertilization cycles: a randomized controlled trial.Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2016;14:9. doi:10.1186/s12958-016-0139-zAl-Safi ZA, Liu H, Carlson NE, et al.Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation lowers serum fsh in normal weight but not obese women.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(1):324-333. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-2913Kumar N, Singh AK.Trends of male factor infertility, an important cause of infertility: a review of literature.J Hum Reprod Sci. 2015;8(4):191-6. doi:10.4103/0974-1208.170370Nieschlag E.Klinefelter syndrome.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2013;110(20):347-353. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2013.0347Badal J, Ramasamy R, Hakky T, Chandrashekar A, Lipshultz L.Case report: persistent erectile dysfunction in a man with prolactinoma.F1000Res. 2015;4:13. doi:10.12688/f1000research.5743.1Whirledge S, Cidlowski JA.Glucocorticoids, stress, and fertility.Minerva Endocrinol. 2010;35(2):109-125.Salvati G, Genovesi G, Marcellini L, et al.Effects of panax ginseng c. A. Meyer saponins on male fertility.Panminerva Med. 1996;38(4):249-254.Santen RJ, Kulin HE, Loriaux DL, Friend J.Spironolactone stimulation of gonadotropin secretion in boys with delayed adolescence.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1976;43(6):1386-1390. doi:10.1210/jcem-43-6-1386Spona J, Weiss W, Rüdiger E, et al.Effects of low and high dose oral cimetidine on hormone serum levels in patients with peptic ulcers.Endocrinol Exp. 1987;21(2):149-157.Holma P, Adlercreutz H.Effect of an anabolic steroid (Metandienon) on plasma LH-FSH, and testosterone and on the response to intravenous administration of LRH.Acta Endocrinol (Copenh). 1976;83(4):856-864. doi: 10.1530/acta.0.0830856Cohen BL, Katz M.Pituitary and ovarian function in women receiving hormonal contraception.Contraception. 1979;20(5):475-487. doi:10.1016/0010-7824(79)90053-2Gibreel A, Bhattacharya S. Recombinant follitropin alfa/lutropin alfa in fertility treatment.Biologics. 2010;4:5-17.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Oduwole OO, Peltoketo H, Huhtaniemi IT.Role of follicle-stimulating hormone in spermatogenesis.Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2018;9:763. doi:10.3389/fendo.2018.00763Bhartiya D, Patel H.An overview of FSH-FSHR biology and explaining the existing conundrums.J Ovarian Res. 2021;14:144.Mount Sinai.Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) blood test.Mihma M, Gangoolyb S, Muttukrishna S.The normal menstrual cycle in women.Animal Reproduction Science. 2011;124(3-4):229-236. doi:10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.08.030Casarini L, Crépieux P, Reiter E, et al.Fsh for the treatment of male infertility.International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020;21(7):2270.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Infertility: Frequently asked questions.MedlinePlus.Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels test.Acharya N, Acharya S, Shukla S, Inamdar SA, Khatri M, Mahajan SN.Gonadotropin levels in hypothyroid women of reproductive age group.J Obstet Gynecol India. 2011;61(5):550-553. doi:10.1007/s13224-011-0079-7Zhang H, Chu Y, Zhou P, et al.Dehydroepiandrosterone plus climen supplementation shows better effects than dehydroepiandrosterone alone on infertility patients with diminished ovarian reserve of low-FSH level undergoing in-vitro fertilization cycles: a randomized controlled trial.Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2016;14:9. doi:10.1186/s12958-016-0139-zAl-Safi ZA, Liu H, Carlson NE, et al.Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation lowers serum fsh in normal weight but not obese women.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(1):324-333. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-2913Kumar N, Singh AK.Trends of male factor infertility, an important cause of infertility: a review of literature.J Hum Reprod Sci. 2015;8(4):191-6. doi:10.4103/0974-1208.170370Nieschlag E.Klinefelter syndrome.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2013;110(20):347-353. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2013.0347Badal J, Ramasamy R, Hakky T, Chandrashekar A, Lipshultz L.Case report: persistent erectile dysfunction in a man with prolactinoma.F1000Res. 2015;4:13. doi:10.12688/f1000research.5743.1Whirledge S, Cidlowski JA.Glucocorticoids, stress, and fertility.Minerva Endocrinol. 2010;35(2):109-125.Salvati G, Genovesi G, Marcellini L, et al.Effects of panax ginseng c. A. Meyer saponins on male fertility.Panminerva Med. 1996;38(4):249-254.Santen RJ, Kulin HE, Loriaux DL, Friend J.Spironolactone stimulation of gonadotropin secretion in boys with delayed adolescence.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1976;43(6):1386-1390. doi:10.1210/jcem-43-6-1386Spona J, Weiss W, Rüdiger E, et al.Effects of low and high dose oral cimetidine on hormone serum levels in patients with peptic ulcers.Endocrinol Exp. 1987;21(2):149-157.Holma P, Adlercreutz H.Effect of an anabolic steroid (Metandienon) on plasma LH-FSH, and testosterone and on the response to intravenous administration of LRH.Acta Endocrinol (Copenh). 1976;83(4):856-864. doi: 10.1530/acta.0.0830856Cohen BL, Katz M.Pituitary and ovarian function in women receiving hormonal contraception.Contraception. 1979;20(5):475-487. doi:10.1016/0010-7824(79)90053-2Gibreel A, Bhattacharya S. Recombinant follitropin alfa/lutropin alfa in fertility treatment.Biologics. 2010;4:5-17.
Oduwole OO, Peltoketo H, Huhtaniemi IT.Role of follicle-stimulating hormone in spermatogenesis.Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2018;9:763. doi:10.3389/fendo.2018.00763
Bhartiya D, Patel H.An overview of FSH-FSHR biology and explaining the existing conundrums.J Ovarian Res. 2021;14:144.
Mount Sinai.Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) blood test.
Mihma M, Gangoolyb S, Muttukrishna S.The normal menstrual cycle in women.Animal Reproduction Science. 2011;124(3-4):229-236. doi:10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.08.030
Casarini L, Crépieux P, Reiter E, et al.Fsh for the treatment of male infertility.International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020;21(7):2270.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Infertility: Frequently asked questions.
MedlinePlus.Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels test.
Acharya N, Acharya S, Shukla S, Inamdar SA, Khatri M, Mahajan SN.Gonadotropin levels in hypothyroid women of reproductive age group.J Obstet Gynecol India. 2011;61(5):550-553. doi:10.1007/s13224-011-0079-7
Zhang H, Chu Y, Zhou P, et al.Dehydroepiandrosterone plus climen supplementation shows better effects than dehydroepiandrosterone alone on infertility patients with diminished ovarian reserve of low-FSH level undergoing in-vitro fertilization cycles: a randomized controlled trial.Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2016;14:9. doi:10.1186/s12958-016-0139-z
Al-Safi ZA, Liu H, Carlson NE, et al.Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation lowers serum fsh in normal weight but not obese women.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(1):324-333. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-2913
Kumar N, Singh AK.Trends of male factor infertility, an important cause of infertility: a review of literature.J Hum Reprod Sci. 2015;8(4):191-6. doi:10.4103/0974-1208.170370
Nieschlag E.Klinefelter syndrome.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2013;110(20):347-353. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2013.0347
Badal J, Ramasamy R, Hakky T, Chandrashekar A, Lipshultz L.Case report: persistent erectile dysfunction in a man with prolactinoma.F1000Res. 2015;4:13. doi:10.12688/f1000research.5743.1
Whirledge S, Cidlowski JA.Glucocorticoids, stress, and fertility.Minerva Endocrinol. 2010;35(2):109-125.
Salvati G, Genovesi G, Marcellini L, et al.Effects of panax ginseng c. A. Meyer saponins on male fertility.Panminerva Med. 1996;38(4):249-254.
Santen RJ, Kulin HE, Loriaux DL, Friend J.Spironolactone stimulation of gonadotropin secretion in boys with delayed adolescence.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1976;43(6):1386-1390. doi:10.1210/jcem-43-6-1386
Spona J, Weiss W, Rüdiger E, et al.Effects of low and high dose oral cimetidine on hormone serum levels in patients with peptic ulcers.Endocrinol Exp. 1987;21(2):149-157.
Holma P, Adlercreutz H.Effect of an anabolic steroid (Metandienon) on plasma LH-FSH, and testosterone and on the response to intravenous administration of LRH.Acta Endocrinol (Copenh). 1976;83(4):856-864. doi: 10.1530/acta.0.0830856
Cohen BL, Katz M.Pituitary and ovarian function in women receiving hormonal contraception.Contraception. 1979;20(5):475-487. doi:10.1016/0010-7824(79)90053-2
Gibreel A, Bhattacharya S. Recombinant follitropin alfa/lutropin alfa in fertility treatment.Biologics. 2010;4:5-17.
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