FSH & Women
FSH & Men
Proper FSH Levels
What Causes FSH Imbalance?
Natural Therapies
Nutrition
Herbs
Body Therapies
In both men and women, having a balanced level of hormones is essential to proper fertility. FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone, is a naturally occurring hormone that is made by the pituitary gland in the body. In this article we’ll be discussing the fertility implication of FSH in both men and women, how to determine if your FSH levels are high or low, causes of FSH imbalance, and natural therapies to help support the body with FSH imbalance such as herbs maca and vitex, fertility cleansing, self fertility massage, and eating a natural fertility diet.
If the FSH levels are either low or high at the wrong time in your cycle, it is a clear indicator that something is out of balance within the reproductive system and may be causing issues with the couple being able to conceive. While FSH levels are used to determine if there is an imbalance, low or high FSH is not the direct cause of fertility issues, just a sign that there may be one.
FSH in Women
Doctors believe a level higher than 10-15mIU/ml may indicate diminished fertility or diminished ovarian reserve if the sample is collected on day 3 of your cycle.
At about the age of 40, most women begin a new phase of life and hormone changes begin to take place in preparation for menopause. The ovaries begin to lose their ability to produce mature follicles, estrogen and progesterone. This may be signaled by higher levels of FSH.
According to Reproductive Endocrinologist Norbert Gleicher, MD, Medical Director and Chief Scientist for the Center for Human Reproduction (CHR), a leading New York City fertility center, measuring FSH (and AMH) based on age is more accurate than using the universal cut-off values for these hormones. The following values for FSH are based on age:
- <33 Years old - <7.0 mlU/mL
- 33-37 Years old – <7.9 mIU/mL
- 38-40 Years oldn – <8.4 mIU/mL
- 41 Years or older – <8.5 mIU/mL
Note: < means less than. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what your test result mean based on your health and fertility status. FSH levels may vary throughout the menstrual cycle, so it is important to know why FSH levels are tested at the time of your cycle that they were.
FSH in Men
It is also essential for men to have normal levels of the FSH hormone. An imbalance of this hormone in men can contribute to infertility, so if a couple is having trouble conceiving it may be wise to have the FSH levels of both partners tested. For men, FSH controls sperm production which is of course essential to fertility.
Unlike women, a man’s FSH levels remain relatively constant rather than fluctuating throughout the month. Typically, a man’s follicle-stimulating hormone levels should be between 5 and 15 IU/L. High levels of FSH in a male could indicate that the testicles are not functioning properly, or may have been damaged by some condition. They can also indicate the presence of Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes the presence of too many X chromosomes in the male. Low levels of FSH usually indicate that testosterone and sperm are under produced.
How Do You Know If Your FSH Levels Are High or Low?
FSH levels are determined by a blood test which is usually combined with other tests to diagnose hormonal levels and depending on the results may indicate reproductive problems such as low sperm count, lack of menses, or anovulation.
A low level of FSH may indicate an imbalance in the pituitary or hypothalamus (eggs are not being produced, stress levels are significant, or one is severely underweight).
A high FSH level may indicate an imbalance with the testes or ovaries ability to function properly (poor ovarian function, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or that one is starting or in menopause).
In women, the FSH test (it is a blood test) is taken on the 3rd day of the menstrual period. FSH test results will depend on age and stage of fertility, and can be affected by the phase of the menstrual cycle when testing is performed. Many labs report test results with a reference range as a guide. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what your test result mean based on your health and fertility status. Doctors believe levels higher than 10-15mIU/ml may indicate diminished fertility, poor egg health or low ovarian reserve.
When looking at an imbalance such as high FSH or low FSH holistically, remember that these hormones are secreted and regulated by the endocrine system (hypothalamus, pituitary, ovaries, testes). It is not that imbalanced FSH levels are the problem, it is the health and current state of the endocrine system that needs to be looked at.
Both FSH and LH secretion are affected by the hormonal balance of other hormones in the body and vice versa. High doses of estrogen or testosterone therapy/medications have been shown to suppress FSH and LH.
What Can Cause FSH Levels to Become Imbalanced?
The possible causes for low or high FSH are many, so it is hard to give a reason why FSH levels may be high or low. In the holistic world we do not look at the FSH levels as the “cause” of the fertility issues, but more as a result of an underlying imbalance. Imbalances such as these are a signal or sign that the body is out of balance.
When it comes to hormones, it is a delicate balancing act. The glandular system is one of the most important and complex systems in the body. It can be easy to get caught up in wanting to increase one hormone so your levels are back to normal. The problem that can occur with this approach is a hormone in another area, which is just as important as the first, may become out of balance as a result. This is why natural therapies can be so helpful. They are complementary, and help to support the body instead of forcing it into an action or adding one hormone.
Natural Therapies For Low FSH and High FSH
What we focus on is helping the body to function at its best. When working to support the hormonal glands it is important to help the body to rid itself of excess hormones and maintain healthy weight while also focusing on some key areas we find helpful… These therapies can be used by themselves or in conjunction with medical therapies. Talk to your doctor about natural therapies first if you are taking hormonal drugs.
Support the Pituitary and Hypothalamus Glands Through Nutrition
Good Nutrition Supports a Healthy Pituitary and Hypothalamus Gland- Nutrition for the Hypothalamus
Insulin resistance and blood sugar levels have a big impact on the endocrine system and hormone levels. This is one of the reasons maintaining a healthy weight is important for healthy hormonal function. Following the Natural Fertility Diet to make sure you are getting proper nutrients in your diet will help a lot. Here are some specific nutrients and foods you should incorporate into your diet:
EFA’s
The hypothalamus is fed by essential fatty acids (EFA’s) and other nutrients. The glandular system utilizes essential fatty acids to produce hormones. If you are deficient, the body doesn’t have the building blocks to make the proper hormones.
‘”Omega 3 fatty acids are the building blocks of hormones that govern much of the body’s physiology.,” according to one of the nation’s top nutrition experts Dr. David Katz, founding (1998) director of Yale University’s Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center. Problems seem to arise when more pro-inflammatory Omega 6s are consumed than anti-inflammatory Omega 3s. A sign that you may not have enough EFA’s in your system is if you have dry skin and hair, or a chronic inflammatory fertility health condition.
Sea Vegetables and dark greens
Sea vegetables such as kelp, nori, and wakame contain large amounts of minerals which are essential for endocrine health. You can eat these in a salad, with sushi, they even come in dried strips that you can eat right out of the package.
Bee Pollen
Bee pollen is one of the most nutrient dense foods you can eat. It contains proteins, minerals, vitamins, immune system compounds, and much more.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a dense green food which is mineral and protein rich. It is high in two essential minerals needed for proper endocrine system function – magnesium and potassium.
Herbs to Help Support and Nourish
American ginseng root
Maca
Maca is an adaptogen herb that has an effect on the endocrine system as well. In women, maca works by supporting healthy estrogen in the body. Estrogen levels that are high or low at the wrong time can keep a woman from becoming pregnant or keep her from carrying to term. Excess estrogen levels also cause progesterone levels to become too low. Taking maca may help to increase progesterone levels which are essential to carrying a healthy pregnancy.
Estrogen in men produces erectile dysfunction or lack of libido, low sperm count, and lowered production of seminal fluid. Men who use maca have been seen to have an increased libido and healthy sperm.
Vitex
Vitex encourages luteinizing hormone production while mildly inhibiting the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This indirectly boosts progesterone production and the chances of achieving and maintaining a successful pregnancy.
Vitex decreases high prolactin levels, which are associated with breast pain. Prolactin is a hormone that stimulates milk production and breast growth during pregnancy. High levels in the absence of pregnancy are often the result of a very common women’s endocrine disorder called hyperprolactinemia. High prolactin levels are also linked to fertility problems.
Vitex is an incredible hormone balancer, which adapts to women’s different needs.
Panax and American Ginseng
These herbs are adapotgenic and help to nourish and support the hypothalamus and pituitary gland (and all the glands in the endocrine system). Ginseng is generally used by men to help with low FSH levels, low testosterone, or other hormonal imbalances.
In 2017 researchers sought to learn the effects of Ginseng on estrogen and androgens receptors. Their findings were published in the Korean Journal of ginseng research (J Ginseng Res), and among the many benefits of Ginseng are that it acts as:
- a gentle estrogen agonist – when bound with estrogen receptor sites
- an anti-androgen; maintaining healthy levels of androgen receptors to ensure the proper functioning androgens
- a sexual arousal booster
- an antioxidative; particularly in the brain where ginsenosides protect brain cells from oxidative stress
- anti-inflammatory to smooth muscles cells
The American Journal of Chinese Medicine shares that in animal studies Ginseng active constituents called saponins can produce an “increase in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal sensitivity.”
Natural Body Therapies
Promote hormonal balance
Too much estrogen or testosterone can cause FSH levels to be low. Cleansing the liver is one of the best things you can do for your hormonal health. The liver is responsible for taking the excess hormones from the body which are then excreted through elimination. Liver supporting herbs help the liver to function optimally so excess hormones are not circulating in the blood. Fertility cleansing is one of the best ways to cleanse your liver.
Fertility Massage
Massage encourages healthy communication between the pituitary, hypothalamus, and ovaries. This is called the “feedback loop”. It controls the levels of hormones produced in the body. By massaging the ovaries and including the stress relieving benefits of massage, a healthier balance can be found in the body. In Self Fertility Massage™ the liver is also massaged, which is another important organ for hormonal balance.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture normalizes the dysfunction of the Hypothalamus- Pituitary – Ovarian Axis. This improves ovarian function creating more follicles, and better egg production. It has also been suggested that the concentrations of central opioids may regulate the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis via the central sympathetic system, and that a hyperactive sympathetic system in anovulatory patients could be normalized by ElectroAcupuncture (Chen and Yin, 1991). It has been assumed that various disorders in the autonomic nervous system, such as hormonal disturbances, may be normalized during auricular acupuncture (Gerhard and Postneck, 1992).
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being underweight and overweight can cause FSH levels to be off. Being 10% below the ideal body weight can cause FSH levels to be low and cause many other fertility issues. Being overweight can also effect FSH and hormonal levels. The Natural Fertility Diet is a healthy way to move towards a healthy weight.
Reduce Stress
The release of stress hormones have a big impact on hormonal balance and health. If you are constantly stressed out, stress hormones are released and general hormone production is reduced. Taking steps to reduce your stress through yoga, meditation, prayer, massage, or exercise can help to keep your hormonal system healthy.
- Gleicher, N. (updated: 2018, October 8). Interpreting Your FSH Levels. Retrieved from https://www.centerforhumanreprod.com/infertilityedu/causes/highfsh/levels/
- Serge A Jabbour, MD. (8/2007). Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Abnormalities. Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Thomas Jefferson University. Retrieved from: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/118810-overview\
- Saldeen P. and Saldeen T. (2004 Oct.). Women and omega-3 Fatty acids. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 59(10):722-30; quiz 745-6. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15385858
- Omega 3 fish oil guide for hormone balance (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.barebiology.com/pages/omega-3-fish-oil-guide-for-hormone-balance
- Park, J., Song, H., Kim, S., Lee, M.S., Rhee, D., Lee Y. (April 2017). Effects of ginseng on two main sex steroid hormone receptors: estrogen and androgen receptors. J Ginseng Res. 41(2): 215–221. Published online 2016 Aug 23. doi: [10.1016/j.jgr.2016.08.005] Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5386121/pdf/main.pdf
- Fulder, S.J. (1981). Ginseng and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary Control of Stress. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine. Vol. 09, No. 02, pp. 112-118. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X81000159. Retrieved from https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S0192415X81000159
- Aso T, Motohashi T, Murata M, Nishimura T, Kakizaki K. (1976). The influence of acupuncture stimulation on plasma levels of LH, FSH, progesterone and estradiol in normally ovulating women. Am J Chin Med. Winter;4(4):391-401. Retrieved from: https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/pdf/10.1142/S0192415X76000494
- Yu, J., Zheng, H. M., & Ping, S. M. (1989). [Changes in serum FSH, LH and ovarian follicular growth during electroacupuncture for induction of ovulation]. Zhong xi yi jie he za zhi= Chinese journal of modern developments in traditional medicine/Zhongguo Zhong xi yi jie he yan jiu hui (chou), Zhong yi yan jiu yuan, zhu ban, 9(4), 199-202. Retrieved online from: http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/2503254
- Mo X, Li D, Pu Y, Xi G, Le X, Fu Z. (6/1993). Clinical studies on the mechanism for acupuncture stimulation of ovulation. J Tradit Chin Med. 13(2):115-9. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/14787594_Clinical_studies_on_the_mechanism_of_acupuncture_stimulation_of_ovulation
- Stener-Victorin, E., Waldenström, U., Andersson, S. A., & Wikland, M. (n.d.) Uterine arteries of infertile women. Retrieved from: http://www.acupunctureshop.com/artikler/uterine-arteries-of-infertile-women.html
Hethir Rodriguez is the Founder and President of Natural Fertility Info.com. She has been a Certified Herbalist for over 19 years, holds a Bachelors degree (BS) in Nutrition Sciences and is a Certified Birth Doula. Since founding Natural Fertility Info.com in 2007, Hethir has written and co-authored over 1200+ articles on Fertility; and her research, articles, and guides have been read by over 40,000,000 people. Hethir has dedicated her life to helping provide a source for high quality, research based information and support for those on their journey to becoming parents.
Hi my name is Jhen, 35 years old and have been trying for 7 years now. With regular periods but my FSH level was 35.9 IU/L and AMH 17.220 pmol/L. The blood test was taken on my 3rd day of period month of October. My next appointment to the Infertility doctor is on 3rd week of November. For now he gave me some medications like Royal Jelly, Folic acid and Vit. D.
I just want to know your opinion, considering my FSH level do you think they will allow me to do IVF? If yes, there is a chance to be successful?
Dear Jhen,
Your doctors are best able to answer your questions! IVF is a controlled procedure and doctor’s aren’t likely to suggest it or help women through the process if there wasn’t some chance of success. I want you to have hope!
I’m a 30 year old female who has been TTC for 2 years, with highly irregular periods. (32-47 days) Normal weight.
I had my FSH blood taken yesterday, but I’m on cycle day 10.
Are those levels accurate, or do I need to re-take at my next period?
My FSH was 7.3
If I ovulate, that is typically around day 16-22.
Dear Danielle,
It is going to be best to discuss with your doctor what this FSH reading means for you given where you are at in your cycle. As shared in this guide, ” For menstruating women, the normal FSH levels during the follicular and luteal phase should range between 5 and 20 IU/L (international units per liter).” It isn’t until right before ovulation that FSH levels should increase.
I’m a 41 yr old wanting to go through IVF. However, after blood taken on second day of my period my FSH was 20.44 (which is too high according to my doctor). LH was 81 mlU/ml. Estradiol was 37.9 mlU/ml. Because of the high FSH level, my doctor wants to consult with me. I’m afraid he might have bad news for me since this is considered a severely diminished ovarian reserve.
Blood test three months ago had more results with FSH levels being 9.92 mlU/ml. LH at that time was 4.08.
Is it possible for me to still have a successful IVF??? Or should I be completely hopeless?
(I am scheduled to meet with a licensed Chinese herbalist and acupuncturist in a few days).
Thank you!
Hello Dora!
When was this testing done in relation to where you were at in your cycle? In my opinion you certainly can hold onto hope and should. That said, I am not a medical doctor and do not mean to discount what he has and will share with you. Please be sure you ask questions and gain a full understanding of these test results/levels.
As we state in this guide, “FSH levels during the follicular and luteal phase should range between 5 and 20 IU/L (international units per liter). Right before ovulation during the mid-cycle peak, FSH levels should be between 30 and 50 IU/L.” 20.44 would not be high if you were near ovulation.
If you are interested, there are ways to naturally support hormonal balance and prepare for IVF. We have guides, although it may be most helpful to participate in a Fertility Consultation for personalized guidance.
I’m 38 years old, we already have a 4.5 year old, who came super easy and fast. Now we have been trying for 1 year now (1 miscarriage at 6 month). I have treated hypothyroidism, so my TSH level is continuously under 2, but my FSH and LH is changing always up and down. (This month it was the worst ever FSH: 18 and LH: 15 despite my healthy diet, omega 3 and vitamin supplements in the follicular phase, and progesterone cream (second half), low intensity sport, no smoking and drinking, reduced stress… etc)
Can you suggest any treatment/ solution, that might be succesful? What can cause this? I’ve heard about maca, but as far as i know it’s not the best solution as it’s high at iodine. Thanks
Dear Eda,
When were FSH and LH hormones measured during your menstrual cycle? Are your doctors concerned about the test results?
My name is Jade, i’m 28 years old and have been off birth control for 4 years. I’ve always had problems with my cycles/late periods and my prolactin level is a bit high. I’m trying to get pregnant with my husband and it feels like a never ending battle. I’m taking herbal mixture, vitamin D, Magnesium, putting maca into my smoothies. Why won’t the egg attach? 🙁 Husbands swimmers level is at 19 million. Sigh.
Dear Jade,
Thanks for reaching out to us!
What is the in the herbal mixture? Does it contain Vitex? If not, do consider learning more about this amazing herb. Do you know when you ovulate each cycle?
I, of course, truly can’t know if conception is happening and the egg is not attaching. It seems there is a hormonal imbalance and this may be part of the reason why.
I am 34 years old, have been trying for over 5 years. I have done 2 IVFs last year, both unsuccessful, got pregnant both times but wasn’t able to retain for more than 2-3 weeks. During the IVF I had endometrium size 7-8mm which my doctors say are moderately low for impregnating. I have recently gone to endocrinologist and was told that I have uterine hypoplasia while no doctor informed me about that before. My FSH was 4.43 and my LH was 5.7 six days after menstruation. I would like to know your viewpoint on this and understand what I can do to get pregnant. Please help me. Thank you.
Dear Dina,
I’m sorry to hear what you’ve been through and are faced with. What I know is that uterine hypoplasia is a congenital uterine health issues, where the uterus didn’t, for unknown reasons, fully develop. Did the endocrinologist think that carrying a pregnancy full term is possible?
Either way, there are natural therapies that may help improve outcome to consider learning more about. We share of them in our guide Thin Lining of the Uterus: Build the Uterine Lining Naturally. You may also appreciate the info. shared in our guide How to Increase Your IVF Success Rate Naturally.
I hope this is helpful!
I got a result of 2.9 on my FSH level. I want to have another baby with my husband but it was hard to have our first child. I am a little freaked out over this number has anyone else had this number and had children? I am only 22 years old.
Dear Theresa,
It is time to think about if you are chronically or overly stressed, underweight or to talk to your doctor about the health of your pituitary gland. I know it’s hard not to worry about a test number, but try to channel that energy into finding out why the number is as it is. When you learn why, moving forward may be easier. As you seek additional support, do start learning more about the “Natural Therapies For Low FSH and High FSH” discussed above. Starting somewhere, anywhere can help you feel proactive and will hopefully help ease worries.
hi
am 27 years old,my FSH and LH levels are very low.we have been trying for past 1 year,but no any pregnancy.i had a 28 day cycle until last october(2017)after that it was like 42 or 45 with very less bleeding,so i consulted a doctor and checked ma fsh and lh levels which were seemed to be very low…kindly inform if there is any possible way to increase the level of ma fsh with natural therapies
Hello Shabu!
I am sorry to hear you are faced with this issue!
Have you had a complete thyroid panel run? Did your doctor explain why this might be happening for you at such a young age? It is going to be important to try to learn why and of your thyroid health in order to best move forward.
If you know these things, I think it would be best to consider a Fertility Consultation. This is the best way to share in as much detail as you can your fertility journey to receive support in creating natural fertility program for your specific needs.
My best and you keep moving forward!
Hello, I am 27 years old, I haven’t had my period since last year ( December 2016). I have had a blood test at that time and appeared that my LH and FSH are too high (the test was done without me having my period). Then I started taking synthetic progesterone and oestrogen and had my period each month. I used for 6 months then decided to stop it because I wanted to go naturally and search for an alternative. Since August 2017 up to now I haven’t had my period. I had another test done on December 2017 and my FSH was reduced (but still considered high). I hope you can help me to select the right therapy for my case in order to purchase from your store. Thank You
Dear Mariam,
I am glad you saw changes, but sorry they weren’t sustained. That has to feel troubling.
The very best way to receive a full plan designed specifically for your fertility health needs is to have a Fertility Consultation. To learn more or book a Fertility Consultation, click here… It will be helpful to learn about your overall and fertility health to approach creating an entire natural fertility program from a holistic perspective.
Thank you so much for the useful information,
I have a FSH of 0.7 taken 2 days before my period starts. My LH is “normal” 5.61. and my other hormones, Testosterone, etc are normal as well. I have normal weight. I don’t have diabetes or sexual transmited deaseses. But I am worried. 0.7 is definitely too low. I want to get pregnant sometime soon. Is there any useful information I can access to, in order to help me?
Dear Lina,
For women in their fertile years, FSH circulates in the body most in the follicular phase (from menstruation until ovulation). It decreased in amount naturally after ovulation and if pregnancy does not occur, will increase again at the start of a new cycle. Did you ask your doctor about this test reading and perhaps also ask about the timing of the testing. There could be a chance it is not low because it was measured two days before your period. I think asking for clarification is best although the natural therapies in this guide could be considered. They support fertility health in a variety of ways.
What are the causes of high FSH in men and how can they become normal? my doctor told me that my brain is producing more than what it should produce, thus affecting my sperm production. Is there anything that can be done to help me
Dear Als,
As shared in this guide, we know this, “High levels of FSH in a male could indicate that the testicles are not functioning properly, or may have been damaged by some condition. They can also indicate the presence of Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes the presence of too many X chromosomes in the male.”
Damage to the testicles could be from radiation, any form of trauma, even abuse of alcohol abuse, overuse of pain medications or steroids. Aging, hormonal imbalances and disorders, Type 2 diabetes or having HIV/AIDS and tumors of the pituitary gland (although rare) can all be causative.
Everything shared in this guide under Natural Therapies For Low FSH and High FSH is worth learning more about, particularly the tips under Support the Pituitary and Hypothalamus Glands Through Nutrition. Eating a nutrient dense whole food diet is going to be very important. Today’s modern diet often doesn’t nourish the body properly and that is where nutritional supplementation can be useful in improving sperm production. Click here to learn about the most important nutrients for sperm production and health…
I hope this is helpful!
Hi
I want your opinion whether there is any medication i can take to improve my eqq quality.
I’m 38 but my FSH level is very high 76.72 mIu/mL.
Hello Indha!
First I have to share that we support and share of herbs, nutritional supplements and natural therapies, which are not medication(s).
May I know if you are underweight, experience high stress levels or have PCOS? The egg health tips linked to in this guide can be considered indeed, but there may be additional things to consider and/or work on if here is an underlying issue contributing to elevate FSH levels.
Hi,
thanks for the quick response.
No, i’m not underweight or have PCOS?
I have a symptom called premature menopause, most doctors saying this is due to a damage done to my uterus during Hysteroscopy surgery.
I was wondering is there any supplements i can take to increase my egg quality.
Hello Indha!
Understood. While there are Free Egg Health Tips at EggHealthTips.com, you may also appreciate our guide
Female Fertility Health: Balancing Hormones in Premenopause.
what is the best oral medication to take to reduce fsh level to normal
Dear Solochni,
We suggest herbs, nutritional supplements and natural therapies as you have read here. To learn the medications one can consider and how they work, please consult a medical doctor.
Hello, I am a 38 year old female, I was on the IUD for 11 years. My youngest is 15 years old and I recently took FSH test and the value was 5.0 mIU/mL and my Prolactin is 8 ng/ML, is it safe to say that I can conceive with my hubby if we wanted another baby? Please advise..
Dear Yvonne,
I can not know based on those hormone-values alone. Yet, from what I know they both fall within what experts deem normal ranges. I do hope that if you choose to ttc, it’s very easy!
My daughter has gone thru the IVF without success last year and recently the mini IVF without success. She was told that she does not have good eggs and it is most likely her genetics. Nine years ago she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and received radioactive iodine treatments. Could this be causing her not having “good eggs” and what can she do to produce “good eggs”?
Dear Mary,
I am sorry to hear this and for all your daughter has been through. I can imagine this weighs on your heart a bit too.
There is research that yes, radioactive iodine can impact ovarian reserve of fertile women. It will be best to discuss with her doctor the impact to which this was, or hopefully was not the case, for your daughter.
We have a wonderful guide How to Increase Your IVF Success Rate Naturally that I think will be the most comprehensive place to start as no matter if she will try IVF again or not, supporting ovarian and uterine health, and her emotional health, is all important. If she will choose IVF again, there is a Free IVF Checklist she can sign up for there as well.
I hope this is helpful!
Are maca and vitex safe to take while breastfeeding???
Dear Cindy,
We suggest against taking Maca and Vitex while breastfeeding unless being supported by your herbalist or midwife. We know each are used while breastfeeding by some, but too much Vitex can slow breastmilk production.
Hi can you tell me is it ok to take Vitex and Maca at the same time?
Dear Andrea,
Yes, Vitex and Maca can be taken at the same time.
Getting an IUI insemination at the end of the month, but just came across the horrific amount of my fertility drugs that cost more than the insemination itself. I know the medical drugs are optional, but what can I do to increase the production of follicles in time for my insemination. I’m 29 and according the doctor I’m in perfect shape. But I can’t afford to cough up $5k for drugs. Would love alternatives at this point, I’m highly desperate. Thank you!
Dear Navil,
There are tips to consider when wanting to naturally prepare for IVF that are tips that apply to IUI preparation in our guide here… It may also be helpful to consider emotional support with the IVF and IUI Mind-Body Program from Circle+Bloom.
All my best!
i have had tubes checked and my hormones too but my FSH was low it was 3.50m iu/L and over weight how can i normalise it and i would like to conceive what medication should i take? the natural remedies i know would be good but i live in a place where its close to impossible to find most of the things.
please advice me
please help
Dear Fizah,
Doctors are best to consult to learn which medication(s) would best benefit your needs. Consider talking to your doctor. There are many natural therapies that require little sourcing of products. Consider learning the Top 10 Natural Fertility Boosters. Each are minimal cost and readily available to most everyone – diet, exercise, stress-management techniques, etc. There are also many electronic products and books available for download to a computer that may offer great support. One such product/natural therapy is Self Fertility Massage. See Self Fertility Massage here…
can you recommend a natural method to shorten my follicular phase. Right now I am ovulating on cd 19-21.
Dear Nicole,
May I know how old you are and how long is your entire menstrual cycle? Maybe a helpful place to start will be to learn about Biphasic Herbal Formulas: Support A Healthy Fertility Cycle.
I am male and My FHS level is 18.05 and as per doctor report My testicle are smaller by nature . That may be reason FHS level is high ? and If I am want to have normal level FHS what I suppose to do ?
Dear Ketan,
It may be best to work with your doctor. If slightly elevated FSH levels are due to how the testicles developed, I can not know if natural therapies alone will be effective. The tips in this guide – nutrition, herbs and natural therapies – could still be considered.
My best to you!
I have very short follicular phase (6-7 days). How can I lengthen it? Are there any herbs or medications that can help me? I have low AMH (0.2) and FSH (11).
Dear Nisha,
Herbs that support overall hormonal balance by nourishing the endocrine system are worth learning more about.
Consider learning about Biphasic Herbal Formulas: Support A Healthy Fertility Cycle. This tips in this guide may be helpful as well.
Hi! My husband has high FSH, normal testoterone, but in the low normal. We have been trying to conceive for the past year and no luck. He got a SA done and no sperm was found…do you think he can take clomid to fix it>?? anyting he can do to balance the FSH
thank you so much
Dear MB,
As shared about FSH and Male Ferility, FSH controls sperm production which is of course essential to fertility. It is going to be best to discuss with your husband’s doctor the cause of his elevated FSH Levels. What is causing his testicles to not function properly? Is there an underlying health issue, or was there testicular damage? We share more information in our guide Azoospermia – Know Your Options for Treatment that may be helpful.
hi…my semen analysis test is as following: volume: 3.60……..ph: 7.20…………viscidity: normal……….sperm count ( mill/ml) 19.82……motil sperm: %71.13…..progressive sperm: %63.92….normal morphology: %76……wbc destiny: 6.46 ( abnormal)…..im 43 years old ..do i have problem to be father? please advice
Dear Reza,
I am very sorry you are concerned! I however legally not able to interpret test results. So, please ask your doctor what these test results mean for you. If after learning what they mean, you wish for a more natural approach to addressing hormonal balance, please reach out to us again for support.
hi i have low fsh level how can i improove my fsh level and pls tel me what are causes for that
Dear Sonu,
This very guide was written to share how to consider naturally supporting the body in achieving and maintaining healthy FSH levels. Know that each blue underlined phrase is a link to more information. Revisit the information under the heading Natural Therapies For Low FSH and High FSH and if you are still not sure where to begin or how to proceed with the best program for your needs, please consider a Fertility Consultation.
hi, i m deepa from pakistan any doctor help me please,
My AMH is very low .01 and FSH is very high 42 , i m worried about that how i get pregnant
Should i conceive pregnancy ? here doctors says its not possible now
please any one help me?
Dear Deepa,
Thank you for reaching out to us!
The answer to your questions may depend on several factors – age, diet and lifestyle, healthy history and what is causing your AMH to be low and FSH to be high (including how long this imbalance has been a challenge for you). We do want you to have hope! We want every woman to achieve her dream of becoming a mother!
Do consider the Natural Therapies For Low FSH and High FSH discussed in this article and consider learning the role of AMH on ovarian reserve and continued follicle production.
It would be best however to book a Fertility Consultation in order to work one on one with our fertility herbalist because it is difficult for me to answer your questions based on just a small piece of the bigger picture of your health. Through a Fertility Consultation, a fertility herbalist will to lay out an entire natural fertility program for you based on your specific fertility health needs. Learn more about a Fertility Consultation here…
All my best!
hi, my husband is a 32 years old. we have 8 years marriage and we don’t have child yet. my husband was cured for azoospermia with vitamins and testosterone. since 6 years but nothing has changed. momentously he has high fsh (68.3 miu/ml) and lh (30 mIU/ml). his doctors says he has hypogonadism hypogonadotropic non obstructive and that doesn’t exist any cure for him and he can’t father never forever. is this true? please answer me.
thank you very much, blerta from albania
Dear Blerta,
I am not a medical professional who can confirm this for you. I’m sorry!
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is testicular failure as a result of a deficiency in the communication between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, caused by genetic hypothalamus disorders or pituitary tumors, as well as congenital pituitary defects (to name two common reasons). Both of which contribute infertility. Both of which have proven challenging to address naturally.
It would be best to seek a second opinion or the support of a specialist if you would like to investigate options for his healing and/or achieving your goal of parenthood. There are many paths to parenthood.
All my best!
Dear Blerta,
I am not a medical professional who can confirm this for you. I’m sorry!
What I can share what I know about this condition. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is testicular failure as a result of a deficiency in the communication between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, caused by genetic hypothalamus disorders or pituitary tumors, as well as congenital pituitary defects (to name two common reasons). Both of which contribute infertility. Both of which have proven challenging to address naturally.
It would be best to seek a second opinion or the support of a specialist if you would like to investigate options for his healing and/or achieving your goal of parenthood. There are many paths to parenthood.
All my best!
Hi, I’m 44 years old,been trying to conceive for three years now. Its only just now that I’ve been able to seek help. So over the last few weeks I’ve been seeing my obgyn due to my cycles being so sporadic. My thyroid and prolactin levels were within normal range. I had a transabdominal/vaginal ultrasound, obgyn said everything looked normal. Then I had my FSH/Estradiol level tested, but on cycle day 64 due to my irregular cycle. Anyway, my FSH was 19.5 – Estradiol 92. She said it’s unlikely that I’m menopausal, but the results show low egg reserve. I’m confused because wouldn’t the FSH level be lower if I was tested on cycle day 3/4. I’m desperate to be a mum, so can you advise me? Thanks
Dear Nadine,
It is my understanding that an FSH level higher than 10-15mIU/L is what doctor’s believe may indicate diminished fertility or diminished ovarian reserve, but that normal FSH levels during the follicular and luteal phase should range between 5 and 20 IU/L. Test results should be within that 5-20 IU/L range if hormones are balanced and reproductive organ function optimal.
I think a helpful place to learn what we feel and have learned are the best ways to support ovarian reserve is in our guide to Ovarian Reserve, & Continued Follicle Production.
If you would like help in creating a program personalized to your needs, our fertility herbalists are very willing to help through a Fertility Consultation.
i am 33 years male having fsh level is 27.3% and also azoospermia .my testicular biopsy is also negative result.pls wht can ni do .help me in this regard
Dear Khan,
Can you clarify what 27.3% means for you? Is this high or low? Also, what do you mean by “negative result”? Negative what… meaning no sperm was present? This is my guess because you shared you have azoospermia, but I want to be sure.
We also offer a guide that shares information about Azoospermia, when there is an undetectable amount of sperm in a man’s semen. It is titled Azoospermia – Know Your Options for Treatment. Ultimately, it will help to know the underlying cause in order to know if natural therapies may be helpful.
I have made the FSH test and it showed a low level of FSH hormone in my blood. So with these characteristics I have no chance to become pregnant…So my doctor prescribed me this drug Gonal-F…Who knows about it… Please advise… I’ve tried Maca powder. But it has not helped me. The doctor said better to take fertility drugs. For example, ovidrel, gonal-f or novarel. Will it help me….??
Hi Emma,
Thanks for contacting us!
This articles states…“Low levels of the hormone can indicate that eggs are not being produced, that the pituitary gland is not functioning correctly, that there are significant levels of stress present or that the person is severely underweight…”, did your doctor say any of these may be causing the issue? Depending on what is causing the FSH levels to be low will determine if there is anything that can be done naturally to help your body correct the problem.
We are not medical doctors, so we are not educated in the use of fertility drugs, only natural therapies. If you have questions about medications your doctor wants you to take it would be best to contact them to ask them your questions!
I look forward to hearing back from you.
my LH level is 10.4
FSH is 23.5
as they are high and have no sperm count can these being hight cause my sperm to stop as i have a healthy 2 years 6 months girl which is mine? any idea to low it
Dear Shenmue,
We know that high levels of follicle stimulating hormone, FSH, could mean that the testicles are not functioning properly for some reason. There may have been damage by a health condition or an infection, trauma, chronic exposure to EMFs or radiation, etc. High FSH levels can also indicate the presence of Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes the presence of too many X chromosomes in the male. Your doctor is best equipped to help you know why your FSH levels are high.