How to reduce high FSH levels in women

On this page

1. Understanding FSH
2. The importance of balanced FSH levels
3. Testing
4. What is a high FSH level?
5. Age
6. Causes
7. IVF
8. Treatment

1. Understanding FSH: what it is and its role in the body

Balanced FSH levels are fundamental to reproductive health and overall hormonal balance. In women, the right FSH levels are necessary for the proper development of ovarian follicles, which are essential for ovulation and fertility. High FSH levels can be a sign of ovarian aging or failure, leading to difficulties in conceiving. Additionally, imbalanced FSH levels can cause irregular menstrual cycles, which can further complicate family planning and fertility treatments.

In men, balanced FSH levels are equally important. FSH works alongside luteinizing hormone (LH) to regulate the production of sperm. Elevated FSH levels in men can indicate testicular issues, such as damage or dysfunction, which can lead to reduced sperm count and infertility. Maintaining normal FSH levels is crucial for ensuring healthy sperm production and overall reproductive health.

Beyond reproduction, balanced FSH levels contribute to general well-being. Hormonal imbalances, including those involving FSH, can lead to various health issues such as mood swings, weight gain, fatigue, and decreased libido. By keeping FSH levels within a healthy range, individuals can help prevent these issues and promote a better quality of life. Moreover, balanced FSH levels can also support other hormonal functions, as the endocrine system operates in a delicate balance where each hormone influences the others.

Understanding the role of FSH is crucial for appreciating why its balance is essential. High levels of FSH, particularly in women, often indicate diminished ovarian reserve or the onset of menopause. In men, elevated FSH can signal testicular dysfunction. Therefore, maintaining balanced FSH levels is vital not only for reproductive health but also for general well-being. By exploring natural and safe ways to lower FSH levels, individuals can take proactive steps towards achieving hormonal harmony and improving their overall health.

2. The importance of balanced FSH levels

High FSH levels can fluctuate with each menstrual cycle. Women with high FSH levels will often have the following symptoms, which are all classical symptoms of a blood deficiency:

• Cold hands and feet
• Poor memory and concentration
• Pale complexion
• Hair loss
• Scanty periods

3. Testing

An FSH test is done at the start of the menstrual cycle, ideally on day 2-3. After this the FSH level increases and the value will be invalid.

4. What is a high FSH level?

What is a high level of FSH varies from country to country, but is generally considered a level higher than 12-14pmol/L or 5-7ng/mL. If the FSH level is higher than this, the ovaries are may not be responding to FSH as well as they should be. If going through IVF treatment, the IVF clinic may cancelled the IVF cycle as the ovaries will have a poor response to the fertility drugs.

Having a high FSH level doesn't necessarily mean you have poor fertility as the FSH level can go down. In the past FSH was considered to determine fertility, but nowadays it is a woman's AMH level.

5. Age

The level of FSH increases with age, see table below.

6. Causes

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is regulated by the pituitary gland under influence from the hypothalamus. It is an important indicator of fertility. FSH stimulates the ovaries to grow and mature multiple follicles, which contain eggs. As one follicle becomes dominant and matures, it releases oestradiol.

The normal level of FSH is between 3.5-12.5pmol/L (1.5-5.5ng/mL) in the follicular phase around day 2-3 of the menstrual cycle. A high FSH means that the egg isn't maturing enough to release oestrogen, which switches off FSH production.

Poor egg quality, a low AMH level and a recent infection such as COVID-19 can cause high FSH levels.

My unique treatment has helped many women reduce their FSH level allowing them to conceive naturally or start IVF.

7. IVF

When undergoing IVF, levels of FSH need to be below 12-15pmol/L, although this level varies from clinic to clinic, with some fertility clinics excepting a level below 15pmol/L. As fertility drugs use FSH, a high level means that the ovaries are less likely to response to the drugs leading to a failed IVF cycle.

8. Treatment of high FSH levels

Research has shown that women who received acupuncture acupuncture had reduced elevated FSH levels. Test results prove it works, one way by increasing blood flow to the uterus. This improves fertility both naturally and during an IVF cycle.

To reduce high FSH levels, I recommend a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbs an optimised diet and lifestyle and specific supplements. I have used this treatment method to reduce FSH levels of 40pmol/L down to within normal range.

References

Mo et al. (1993) Clinical studies on the mechanism for acupuncture stimulation of ovulation. J Tradit Chin Med Jun;13 (2): 115-9 (ISSN: 0254-6272).

Ren et al. (2016) Effects and mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion on reproductive endocrine function in male rats with partial androgen deficiency. Acupunct Med, 34:136-143.

Wang, Y, et al. (2016). Electroacupuncture for reproductive hormone levels in patients with diminished ovarian reserve: a prospective observational study. Acupunct Med.

Zheng et al. (2015) Effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on ovarian reserve of patients with diminished ovarian reserve in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer cycles. J Obstet Gynaecol Res, Volume 41, Issue 12, 1905–1911.