Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a hormone made and secreted in the gonadotropic cells of the pituitary gland of both males and females. It regulates pubertal maturation, oocyte growth and maturation together with other hormones in women and in men. Together with LH in men it is mostly involved in the hormonal pathways for testosterone production. In this article we will mainly concentrate on the role of FSH in women.
High basal Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels are a sign of poor ovarian reserve. To reduce FSH levels estrogen or contraceptive pills can be given, this does not however necessarily fix the underlying problem of diminished ovarian reserve.
FSH Hormone
FSH hormone is an abbreviation of follicle-stimulating hormone and as the name indicates it enhances the growth of follicles in which the oocytes (eggs) grow. FSH is produced and secreted by the pituitary gland. FSH helps control the menstrual cycle and oocyte (egg) production and maturation in the ovary. FSH levels vary throughout a woman's menstrual cycle, it is at its highest-level right before ovulation (egg release).
FSH is responsible for oocyte (egg) maturation, this maturation occurs in follicles. These follicles produce estradiol during oocyte maturation. After ovulation when the follicle bursts and the oocyte is released it is called the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum produces progesterone which is the dominant hormone in the second half of the cycle it thickens the endometrium (lining of the uterine cavity) to prepare it for receiving and nourishing a fertilized oocyte. This corpus luteum if pregnancy occurs remains to produce progesterone and support pregnancy until the fetus produces high enough levels to sustain pregnancy this is usually at around 9 weeks of pregnancy.
FSH is mainly a female hormone but can be found in male blood as well. In both male and female hormone imbalances can reduce fertility. Increased basal FSH level in women is usually an indication for low ovarian reserve.
Causes of high FSH
Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRh) is made in the hypothalamus and signals the pituitary to release Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) these hormones regulate the menstrual cycle in women and in men cause the testicles to produce testosterone.
Causes of high FSH hormone
- Premature ovarian failure which means the loss of ovarian function
- Menopause
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome which causes hormonal imbalance
- Chromosomal anomaly such as Turner’s syndrome (Partial or entire absent second X in women 46 XO)
High FSH levels Symptoms
- Irregular menstrual cycle.
- Infertility
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Insomnia and lack of sleep
- Mood swings
- depression
- Delayed puberty or early interruption of menstrual cycle
High FSH level treatment
A high FSH level is difficult to treat but symptoms can be treated;
•Regular exercising releases endorphins that help with mood swings and depression.
•Maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI)
•Avoid stress
•Eat more vegetables and fruits containing fiber
•Have the doctor prescribe medication to improve symptoms of night sweat and hot flashes.
•Take Vitamin D and Calcium supplements. Decreasing estrogen levels correlate with a decrease of bone density.
