What It Measures
FSH measures the level of follicle-stimulating hormone in the blood, reflecting the communication between the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary gland) and the reproductive organs (ovaries or testes). It indicates how hard the pituitary is working to stimulate the gonads.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a gonadotropin produced by the anterior pituitary gland that plays a critical role in reproductive function. In women, it stimulates ovarian follicle growth and egg maturation; in men, it supports spermatogenesis. FSH levels are key markers for assessing fertility, ovarian reserve, and pituitary function.
Current Value
What High Means
Elevated FSH indicates the pituitary gland is working harder to stimulate the gonads, often because the gonads are not responding adequately. In women, high FSH suggests diminished ovarian reserve, primary ovarian insufficiency, menopause, or perimenopause. In men, high FSH points to primary testicular failure (e.g., Klinefelter syndrome, damage from radiation/chemotherapy, or varicocele). In both sexes, it can indicate gonadal dysfunction. Very high levels (>40 mIU/mL in women) are consistent with menopause.
Possible Symptoms
In women: irregular or absent periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, difficulty conceiving, mood changes, decreased libido. In men: low libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass, fatigue, infertility, gynecomastia, testicular atrophy.
What Low Means
Low FSH suggests the pituitary gland or hypothalamus is not producing enough hormone (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism). Causes include pituitary tumors, hypothalamic dysfunction, severe stress, extreme weight loss, anorexia, hyperprolactinemia, or use of exogenous sex steroids (testosterone, estrogen, oral contraceptives). In men, low FSH leads to impaired sperm production. In women, it causes anovulation and infertility.
Possible Symptoms
In women: absent or irregular periods, anovulation, infertility, low libido, fatigue, decreased breast size. In men: low sperm count, infertility, decreased facial/body hair, low libido, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, delayed puberty in adolescents.
Risk Factors
Primary ovarian insufficiency, premature menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS — often low-normal FSH with elevated LH), male infertility, Klinefelter syndrome, Turner syndrome, pituitary adenomas, hypothalamic amenorrhea, eating disorders, hyperprolactinemia, testicular failure.
Actionable Advice
Supplements
- •Vitex (chasteberry)
- •Maca root
- •D-aspartic acid
- •Vitamin D3
- •Zinc
- •Folate
- •Omega-3 fatty acids
- •Ashwagandha
- •CoQ10
- •Royal jelly
Diet & Lifestyle
- •Maintain a healthy body weight — both underweight and overweight disrupt FSH signaling
- •Manage chronic stress through meditation, yoga, or therapy (cortisol suppresses GnRH/FSH)
- •Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly to support pituitary hormone release
- •Exercise regularly but avoid overtraining, which can suppress FSH in both sexes
- •Limit alcohol consumption, which impairs hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function
- •Eat adequate healthy fats (cholesterol is a precursor to sex hormones)
- •Minimize exposure to endocrine disruptors (BPA, phthalates, pesticides)
- •Avoid chronic caloric restriction or extreme dieting
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Historical Trend
Related Biomarkers
Resources & Studies
All Readings
| Date | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-28 | 0.7 mIU/mL | 0.0 |
| 2025-08-25 | 0.7 mIU/mL | -2.9 |
| 2025-06-27 | 3.59 mIU/mL | — |