Understanding High FSH Levels: Causes, Symptoms & Implications

FSH stands for Follicle Stimulating Hormone. It is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland and is responsible for the growth of eggs and sperm in females and males respectively.

What are FSH Levels?

• FSH levels refer to the amount of eggs a woman has on reserve. A woman̵7;s FSH level can be determined by a simple blood test.

What Does a High FSH Level Mean?

• A high FSH level is a sign of infertility. It means a woman̵7;s eggs have diminished in quality or number and it will be very difficult for her to get pregnant.

How Is It Treated?

• Most doctors use artificial means to increase FSH levels. Increasing FSH levels in turn forces the body to ovulate or produce more eggs.

Considerations

• If increasing FSH levels does not work, then donor eggs will have to be used in order for a woman to become pregnant.

FSH Testing

• An FSH test is usually taken on the second or third day of a woman̵7;s menstrual cycle. This helps give the doctor a more accurate reading.