FSH Levels – Rising and Falling
One of the primary tests that is given to a woman who is experiencing problems with trying to conceive is a test of FSH levels. In addition to a test to make sure that the fallopian tubes are clear and a sperm test for the male partner, the FSH test is an important part of an initial infertility workup. FSH levels can, in some ways, indicate if there is a problem with fertility. FSH levels and whether they are rising or falling can give some indication of a woman’s situation in terms of trying to conceive.
To understand the connection between FSH levels and fertility, it is important to understand exactly what FSH is. FSH stands for Follicle Stimulating Hormone. Produced by the pituitary gland, FSH levels rise and fall based on a variety of factors, including the quality and number of viable eggs that a woman has. This is known as her ovarian reserve, and rising FSH levels can indicate that there is a low ovarian reserve, and therefore a high likelihood that you will have some problem with fertility. In fact, it is estimated that, for women whose FSH levels have been rising and are elevated, there is less than a 1% chance that they will be able to conceive unaided by fertility medications.
The fact of the matter is that FSH levels are going to be rising and falling during your monthly cycle. In addition, it is not entirely uncommon for FSH levels to be rising and falling from one month to the next. For this reason, it is important that an testing of FSH levels take place during the recommended time – on day 3 of the menstrual cycle. In addition, if FSH levels seem to be elevated, it is worth while to take one or two subsequent day 3 FSH tests to confirm that FSH levels really are elevated, and that it was not just a case of FSH levels rising and falling from one month to the next.
Similar Posts:
- How is an FSH Test Taken and What Does it Mean?
- What Do FSH Levels Mean When Trying To Conceive?
- Infertility Testing And FSH Levels
- Can You Still Conceive With High FSH Levels?
