FSH, or follicle Stimulating Hormone, is an important part in the process of conception.  FSH is a hormone that is produced by your pituitary gland.  FSH levels are directly related to the reserve of eggs in your ovaries.  FSH also affects how you will respond to some fertility treatments.  A test of your FSH levels is one of the first tests that, typically, you will have if you are seeing a fertility specialist.

There does not appear to be a direct relation between obesity or high cholesterol and FSH levels.  However, there are some overlapping areas of concern.  For example, it has been demonstrated that Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, also known as PCOS, can cause elevated levels of FSH.  PCOS has also, very often, been known to cause problems with weight gain.  In addition, changing levels of hormones that occur during menopause can also cause a woman to gain weight, and they also will change the levels of FSH in a woman’s body.

There are things that are believed to affect FSH levels by lowering them.  Some medications, including clomiphene, digitalis, testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, are all believed to lower FSH levels.  THe radiation that accompanies a bone scan or a thyroid scan can also cause FSH levels to be lowered, at least temporarily.  Stress is another factor that may be able to lower your FSH levels.  Smoking tobacco, in addition to the other health problems that it poses, is also thought to lower your levels of FSH.

In addition, your FSH levels are affected by your monthly cycle.  During the luteal phase, for example, your FSH levels should be between 5 and 20 IU/L.  During the middle of your monthly cycle, when FSH levels are at their peak, you may have between 30-50 IU/L of FSH.  For this reason, when FSH is tested for fertility issues, the test is given on the third day of menstrual bleeding so that results can consistently be interpreted and compared.

There may be other factors that can affect your FSH levels.  If you believe that your FSH levels are affecting your ability to become pregnant, you should speak with your health care provider.  She may be able to help determine if FSH levels are the cause, and what the factors affecting your FSH levels are.

Related Posts:

• Will Low Levels Of Progesterone Affect Conception?
• Will Low Levels Of Progesterone Affect Conception?
• Do High Hcg Levels Always Mean You Are Pregnant?
• Low estrogen levels: Can this affect ovulation?
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone Levels And Your Chances Of Conceiving
• What Is PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)?
• When Should We Get Our FSH Levels Checked?
• What Do FSH Levels Mean When Trying To Conceive?
• Infertility Testing And FSH Levels
• Chinese Medicine Treatment And Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
• What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
• Can Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Hurt My Fertility?

This entry was posted under Fertility Issues.