When assisted reproduction treatment begins, a new world full of incomprehensible terminology begins, from which, in the end, one ends up internalizing, learning, commenting and even valuing. One of the first concepts to be learned is the value of the FSH hormone. It is known as follicle-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, follitropin, or FSH, and is secreted by the pituitary gland. This hormone plays a fundamental role in the sexual maturation of human beings.. It also plays a very important role in the reproduction process, as it controls the maturation of gametes (eggs and sperm). What should we know about the FSH hormone? What relationship does it have with pregnancy? What does it mean to have normal values? We answer these and other related questions.
What is the FSH hormone?
This hormone is produced by gonadotroph cells located in the anterior part of the pituitary gland, which is a structure located at the base of the skull. FSH is responsible for regulating estrogen levels, interacting with luteinizing hormone (LH), and controlling numerous reproductive processes. In short, FSH is directly related to reproduction, being one of the most important hormones when it comes to getting pregnant. But in what way?
FSH hormone in women
In women, FSH controls the menstrual cycle and stimulates the growth of oocytes in the ovarian follicles. FSH levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle, peaking just before ovulation or the release of the oocyte from the ovary.
FSH hormone in men
In men, FSH is related to sperm production; Normally, FSH values in men remain stable over time
Why do we measure FSH?
As we have previously commented, in women, FSH participates in the control of the menstrual cycle and helps oocyte growth in the ovarian follicles. The determination of the basal levels of FSH helps us to diagnose or evaluate a possible state of menopause, the presence of a polycystic ovarian syndrome, that the woman may have irregular cycles and/or that she has difficulties getting pregnant and therefore, it is I can talk about an infertility problem
FSH levels, what is the normal measurement?
The concentration of this hormone, as we say, varies greatly depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle in which the woman is. They also vary with respect to gender and age. Thus, an FSH with normal values, for women, will be:
- Between 3.8 and 8.8 mIU/mL if you are in the follicular phase.
- Between 1.8 and 5.1 mIU/mL for the luteal phase.
- Between 4.5 and 22.5 mIU/mL mid menstrual cycleapproximately.
After the menopausenormal levels will be between 16.74 and 113.59 mIU/mL.
The normal level of FSH in men it is between 1.27 – 19.26 mIU/mL, while FSH levels in children should not exceed 4 mIU/mL.
What does it mean to have a high FSH hormone level?
If you are a woman with high levels of FSH, this can indicate various situations such as ovarian failure, menopause, that you present a diagnosis of polycystic ovary that presents with a notable hormonal imbalance, and/or that you have a pathology known as Turner syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality characterized by the loss of an X chromosome
An increase in FSH levels also indicates a decrease in oocyte and embryo quality. Age is the main factor responsible for this fact; as age increases, fertility decreases with the consequent drop in the availability of mature oocytes.
In combination with other diagnostic tests, FSH helps determine ovarian reserve. Elevated FSH levels indicate that your chances of becoming pregnant may be lower relative to your age. This does not mean that you cannot get pregnant, but rather that you may have more difficulties and may need help in the form of infertility treatment.
In men, elevated FSH levels are suggestive of Klinefelter syndrome, a condition in which men have an extra X chromosome that can affect the development of male sexual characteristics; testicles absent and/or that do not have adequate function; and testicular damage from gonadotoxic treatment.
What does it mean to have a low level of the hormone FSH?
When a low level of follicle-stimulating hormone is seen in a woman, it may be due to low body weight (below normal levels for that person), pregnancy, or a problem with the pituitary gland Low levels indicate that ovulation is not occurring.
In men, this deficiency can also be associated with low sperm production, pituitary deficiency, or excessive stress, in addition to being underweight.
Low FSH levels are also associated with infertility (with the exception of pregnancy), which could be due to a gland malfunction or to some pathology that influences its production.
Pregnancy and FSH
In order for the woman’s body to be in its optimal state, that is, to be fertile, the FSH levels must be within a range of normal values. But, in addition, other factors must also be in adequate ranges, since not only FSH is indicative of a woman’s fertility.
In the case of men, it is also important that the level is within normal parameters or we could be facing a case of male infertility.
If these levels are not adequate, there are treatments to normalize the production of FSH. There are also various possibilities of conceiving in case there are other problems, such as a low ovarian reserve, which could be highlighted by a high FSH level.
The FSH hormone test, how does it work?
Performing an FSH test is relatively simple. To do this, a blood sample is drawn. This is analyzed in the laboratory, where the levels of this hormone and other indicators of fertility are measured.
In the case of man, this extraction can be done at any time. In the case of women, however, It is usually done at specific times in your menstrual cycle.. These correspond to day 2 or 3, although if it is taken on another occasion, the state can be evaluated based on the known normal levels of FSH in the blood.
Finding out, listening, trusting and asking are the keys to starting an assisted reproduction treatment. If you decide to do it at an IVI clinic, remember that you can request your medical appointment by calling 900847300 or at this link to make an appointment at IVI
