FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) is an important hormone in pregnancy.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) is one of the essential hormones for women who want to conceive. It plays a crucial role in ovulation, egg development, the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy.

However, many people do not fully understand its exact function, its importance, or what to do if their FSH levels are too low or too high. An imbalance in this hormone can lead to various reproductive issues. Understanding the consequences of hormonal imbalance and how to correct them is vital for reproductive health.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) is a hormone that stimulates egg development and directly affects the menstrual cycle. If FSH levels are too low (commonly found in women with PCOS) or too high (which may occur in women experiencing premature menopause), it can lead to infertility.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) is responsible for regulating the growth and maturation of eggs, stimulating ovulation. If FSH levels are imbalanced, ovulation may stop, leading to difficulties in conceiving.

Typically, normal FSH levels do not exceed 10 mIU/ml and are directly related to ovarian reserve, including the quality and quantity of remaining eggs. When the number of eggs decreases and their quality declines, the body produces more FSH to compensate and stimulate follicle development.

Therefore, a high FSH level may indicate the onset of menopause. Conversely, if FSH levels are too low, it can impact fertility and disrupt the menstrual cycle.

Measuring FSH levels can help predict your fertility status and ability to conceive. When the number of eggs declines and egg quality deteriorates, your body compensates by producing more FSH to stimulate follicle growth.

For this reason, high FSH levels may indicate that you are approaching menopause. Conversely, abnormally low FSH levels can negatively affect fertility, potentially leading to difficulties in conceiving.

FSH hormone is another crucial factor that affects the chances of pregnancy after in vitro fertilization (IVF). A Basal FSH test on day 3 of the menstrual cycle is performed to measure FSH levels. High-quality eggs produce higher levels of estrogen and inhibin B, which result in lower FSH levels. Conversely, if egg quality is poor, the hormones produced by the eggs will be lower, leading to higher FSH levels.

The first sign indicating declining ovarian function is an FSH level greater than 10 mIU/mL along with an E2 level lower than 80 pg/mL. Studies have shown that when FSH levels exceed 18 mIU/mL, the chances of pregnancy are significantly reduced.

For Women:

• Determine the cause of infertility.

• Assess ovarian function to check for any abnormalities.

• Identify the cause of irregular or absent menstrual periods.

• Confirm the onset of menopause, which marks the end of menstruation and the inability to conceive.

For Men:

• Determine the cause of infertility.

• Investigate why sperm count is low.

• Assess whether there are any issues with the testicles.

For Children:

• Early puberty is considered if it begins before age 9 in girls and before age 10 in boys.

• Delayed puberty is diagnosed if it has not started by age 13 in girls and by age 14 in boys.

For Women:

• Have been trying to conceive naturally for over a year without success.

• Experience irregular menstrual cycles.

• Menstruation has stopped due to menopause or premature menopause.

For Men:

• Weak sperm quality leading to unsuccessful conception after one year.

• Decreased sexual desire.

The nurse will first take the mother’s basic medical history.

The nurse will then take the mother to check weight and blood pressure. After that, the nurse will escort her to see the doctor.

During the consultation, the doctor will ask about medical history, such as any underlying conditions, antibiotics used, history of chromosomal abnormalities, and family medical history.

A blood sample will be drawn and tested for FSH to detect any potential abnormalities.

The test results will be available in approximately 1 hour.

Medical conditions affecting the thyroid and adrenal glands can also impact hormone levels. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in pregnancy and is one of the major causes of hormonal imbalances in women. Another common cause is PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), which leads to irregular menstrual cycles and infertility.

Other causes of hormonal imbalance include:

• Age

• Certain medications

• Food allergies

• Exposure to certain chemicals

• Stress

Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance

• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

• Irregular menstrual cycles

• Infertility

• Premature menopause

• Heavy or absent periods

• Cravings for chocolate or dairy products

• Acne

• Hot flashes

Protein provides essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. Including protein-rich foods in daily meals helps support muscle, bone, and skin repair. Protein also stimulates hormone production, regulates hunger, and promotes satiety.

Exercise Regularly
Engaging in physical activities such as weight training, aerobics, walking, or other exercises influences hormone levels, reduces the risk of obesity, and prevents age-related muscle loss.

Avoid Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates
These foods contribute to insulin resistance. Reducing refined carbohydrates and opting for whole foods can help lower insulin levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

Manage Stress
Reducing stress through activities like meditation, massage, yoga, and listening to relaxing music helps lower cortisol levels, which supports hormonal balance.

Consume Healthy Fats
Good fats help reduce insulin resistance and regulate appetite-controlling hormones.

Eat Fatty Fish
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish help lower cortisol and epinephrine levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce insulin resistance.

Get Enough Sleep
Poor sleep quality and insufficient rest decrease satiety hormones, increase hunger hormones, and elevate stress levels. It also reduces growth hormone secretion and contributes to insulin resistance.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) is a crucial hormone for women as it stimulates egg development and plays a key role in the menstrual cycle. An imbalance in FSH levels, whether too high or too low, can negatively affect a woman's ability to conceive.

If you have been trying to conceive naturally for over a year without success, you may be experiencing infertility. It is advisable to consult a doctor to identify the underlying causes and explore possible treatments. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out via Line: @beyondivf