There is definitely a connection between follicle stimulating hormone and infertility problems.  In fact, a test of your follicle stimulating hormone levels will often be one of three specific tests that are initially given to couples that are having some problems with trying to conceive.  The first of the other tests is a sperm test, to examine whether there is a problem with the male partner’s sperm count, or to look for abnormalities with the male partner’s sperm.  The final test is a test of the woman’s fallopian tubes, to make sure that they don’t have a blockage of some sort.

To understand the relationship between follicle stimulating hormone and infertility problems, it is important to understand what follicle stimulating hormone is.  Follicle stimulating hormone is a hormone, present in both men and women, that is produced in the pituitary gland.  In the case of men, follicle stimulating hormone promotes the growth of sperm.  In the case of women, follicle stimulating hormone promotes the growth of eggs.  Elevated levels of follicle stimulating hormone in a woman can indicate that she will have some fertility problems.  Elevated follicle stimulating hormone levels indicate that a woman’s ovarian reserve is low.

Ffollicle stimulating hormone levels can be checked using a simple blood test.  follicle stimulating hormone is typically tested on the third day of the menstrual period, when it is being checked for infertility problems.  This is known as a “baseline” or a “day 3″ follicle stimulating hormone test.  The levels of follicle stimulating hormone present in a woman’s body are then compared to the average.  The average level of follicle stimulating hormone is 10.  If the level of follicle stimulating hormone is over 25, the woman will almost definitely have some problems with infertility.  Levels of follicle stimulating hormone that are between 10 and 25 are considered borderline.

Unfortunately, the treatment for low follicle stimulating hormone is generally rather agressive.  In many cases, the only way that a woman with high levels of follicle stimulating hormone will be able to conceive is through the use of donor eggs and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone Levels And Your Chances Of Conceiving
• When Should We Get Our FSH Levels Checked?
• FSH Levels and Menopause
• Can You Still Conceive With High FSH Levels?
• What Is an FSH Test and Who Needs It?
• What Do FSH Levels Mean When Trying To Conceive?
• Infertility Testing And FSH Levels
• How is an FSH Test Taken and What Does it Mean?
• Infertility Causes – Unexplained Infertility Problems
• How Does Clomid Help With Fertility Problems?
• What about FSH Levels in Men?
• Infertility Causes – Ovulation Problems

This entry was posted under Fertility Issues.