Follicle-stimulating hormone is the full form of FSH, which is a gonadotrophic hormone. The pituitary gland, which is an integral part of the brain, is the center of FSH production and secretion. As FSH is a sex hormone, it is found in both genders. FSH plays a crucial role in puberty and regulates the menstrual cycle and sperm production. Disbalance in the level of FSH causes complications like infertility and irregular periods. One of the major causes of high FSH is primary ovarian insufficiency (POI).
Range of FSH:
As the name suggests, follicle-stimulating hormone enhances the growth of follicles in ovaries for ovulation. FSH levels vary from person to person and fluctuate throughout females’ lives.
- Normal range of FSH in Females
- Before puberty= 0–4 mIU/ml
- During puberty= 0.3–10.0 mIU/ml
- Premenopause= 4.7–21.5 mIU/ml
- Postmenopause= 25.8- 134.8 mIU/ml
To check the FSH level in a woman, the doctor prescribes an FSH test. It is a simple blood test that helps to evaluate fertility problems and the cause of irregular periods.
Role of FSH in our body:
Biochemistry of FSH:
The hypothalamus regulates the functioning of FSH by signaling the pituitary gland to commence and cease the synthesis of FSH.
At the end of the menstrual cycle, ovaries secrete hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) that binds with the hypothalamus when FSH levels decrease. As a result, the hypothalamus releases the Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which signals the pituitary gland to secrete FSH into the bloodstream. FSH travels all along from the brain to the ovaries.
In ovaries, premature oocytes are present. FSH stimulates the oocytes into primary and secondary follicles. These follicles mature into eggs. Meanwhile, these follicles release estrogens. When the egg matures, the pituitary gland releases another luteinizing hormone (LH) chemical. It helps in ovulation. If the egg combines with sperm, it causes fertilization, and if there are no sperm in the fallopian tube, periods occur.
After ovulation, the ruptured follicles form the corpus luteum and release progesterone hormone. These hormones inhibit the synthesis of FSH and LH by harmful feedback mechanisms.
What if I have too much Follicle-stimulating hormone?
The primary cause of FSH flare-ups in the body is the malfunctioning of the ovaries. High FSH is prompted by insufficient egg production in ovaries. The condition in which ovaries cannot produce eggs is called premature ovarian insufficiency / premature ovarian failure. This is the cause of high FSH concentration in females.
Ovaries are responsible for the synthesis of progesterone and estrogen. These hormones signal the brain to decrease the synthesis of FSH. If follicles are not functioning or do not mature and ovulate, they can’t release sex hormones. Thus, the brain will not get the signals to stop FSH production. Hence, the level of FSH remains high in the blood.
There are a couple of reasons for premature ovarian insufficiency:
- Genetic disorder: A female suffering from Turner syndrome ( X syndrome).
- Autoimmune disease: When the body's own cells attack ovarian cells. For example, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, etc.
- Viral infection- Mumps.
Symptoms of high FSH:
- Hot Flashes all over the body.
- Irregular periods
- Difficulty in conceiving.
- Abdominal pain
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
How to reduce high FSH levels?
It is necessary to understand its root cause to treat elevated FSH levels. One of the reasons behind high FSH is ovarian dysfunction. Ovarian dysfunction means that the ovaries are not producing follicles or the follicles are not mature enough to release sex hormones. However, FSH concentration can be lower with birth control pills temporarily.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an old medical practice. It is beneficial in treating health complications like hormonal imbalances, infertility, sciatica, migraine, and osteoarthritis. It is an effective way to boost ovarian function.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an approximately 2500-year-old technique practiced by the Chinese. Now, it has been used worldwide. In articulate acupuncture, fine needles infuse acupuncture points of the affected area.
Here is a list of herbs and botanical dietary supplements for hormonal imbalances.
- Aloe Vera
- Asian Ginseng
- Astragalus
- Bilberry
- Butterbur
- Chamomile
- Cinnamon
- Pomegranate
- Red Clover
5. Diet:
What you eat is very important when it comes to holistic health. Eating trans-fat and processed food will lead to hormonal imbalance and obesity, which cause abnormal FSH. Here, I mention several foods that help in balancing your FSH.
- Leafy vegetables contain essential fatty acids and fibres. These nutrients are beneficial for endocrine functioning.
- Soy is abundant in B vitamins, fibre, potassium, isoflavones, magnesium, and high-quality protein. Soy has estrogenic properties, which interfere with the functioning of elevated estrogens.
- Studies have proved that Omega 3-poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) improve egg quality, delay ovarian ageing, and extend the reproductive lifespan in a healthy woman. Source: seafood, fish oils, salmon, nuts, flax seeds, etc.
6. Healthy lifestyle:
Practicing yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, and exercise would improve your mood, lower the cortisol level and relax your brain.
In a Nutshell:
FSH helps in follicle growth, synthesis of estrogen and progesterone, monthly menstrual cycle, and healthy pregnancy. Any disturbance may be attributed to conditions like irregular menstruation, difficulty in pregnancy, ovarian dysfunction, and Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Females with large FSH concentrations suffer from infertility, menopause at an early age, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), etc. However, there is no specific cure to treat elevated FSH levels. Some studies proved that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), proper nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes would balance FSH levels.
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