If you are trying to get pregnant, here are some of the common Myths and Facts about high levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) that you should know.
FSH is essential to fertility
FACT: FSH stimulates your follicles to produce eggs and make you ovulate (produce and release eggs).
High FSH should be better than low FSH
MYTH: If the quantity of eggs that you have in your ovaries, known as ovarian reserve, is low; your follicles cannot develop properly for ovulation with normal FSH levels. In such cases, your body attempts to compensate by producing more FSH. Therefore high levels of FSH can indicate that you are having problem ovulating.
High levels of FSH indicates definite menopause
MYTH: If you belong to the age group less than 38, high levels of FSH may not necessarily indicate menopause. High levels of FSH can also signal a variety of other conditions such as pituitary tumor, premature menopause, and ovarian failure.
I have high FSH; I am never going to get pregnant
MYTH: Your chance of getting pregnant very much depends on your age and how high your FSH levels are. Birth rates fall with respect to increase in FSH levels. Younger women can have lesser number of eggs, but the eggs are usually of a higher quality, and can help them conceive easier. High levels of FSH can make it difficult for you to become pregnant. Your fertility doctor will be the best person to address your concerns on your specific level of FSH.
High levels of FSH can make me a wrong candidate for fertility treatments
FACT: Some people are not considered to be ideal candidates for fertility treatments if their FSH levels are too high. Most people with very poor ovarian reserve find no success even after repeated attempts at stimulating their ovaries. However, a patient’s age and FSH levels play an important role and some patients can be benefitted with IVF with donor eggs.
My FSH level is normal, so I should be good
MYTH: If your FSH level is normal but your estrogen level is high, estrogen may be affecting your FSH level. This can be tested by analyzing your estrogen levels during your FSH test.
Treatment can bring down my FSH levels
Western medicine is yet to find a definite cure for high FSH levels. Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners claim to have a solution for high FSH levels. Treatment often includes a combination of herbs, dietary and lifestyle changes, and acupuncture. Talk to your fertility doctor before you start taking herbal supplements and make serious lifestyle modifications.