How One Strange Hormone Can Cause Infertility

Female infertility is a common problem with a variety of women. Unfortunately, the causes of this problem can be diverse, but one problem that few understand is the effect that one unlikely hormone can have on a woman's fertility.

Infertility Can Be Caused By High Levels Of Follicle Stimulating Hormone

Follicle stimulating hormone or FSH is a hormone that surprisingly affects a wide range of functions in the body. While it is mostly used to stimulate hair growth, it can actually cause infertility. This is especially true when high levels of it are produced and the levels are unbalanced in the body.

There are many different problems that cause high levels of FSH in the body. For example, menopause and certain types of abnormal chromosome conditions can cause it to develop. However, women, unlike men, are prone to varying levels of this hormone.

These Levels Can Vary In Women

Women's levels of FSH can vary throughout the month due to the influence of the menstrual cycle. During certain moments of this cycle, the ovary produces higher levels of it and it can cause minor fertility problems. However, sustained high levels are not normal and should be considered seriously problematic.

For example, doctors have stated that any level higher than about 10-15 mIU/L indicates a more serious problem with a woman's fertility health, including infertility Thankfully, there is a test that women can take that can gauge how much of this hormone is in their body.

Day Three Testing Is Useful Here

If a woman is experiencing problems reproducing or believes they have high levels of FSH, they should get the day three test done. This test takes a sample of the woman's FSH level. Taking it on this day is essential, because FSH levels are usually at a baseline level. If necessary, it is also possible to take on the second and fourth day of a woman's cycle.

If the levels of this hormone are higher than normal, there is a chance there is a more serious reproductive problem at work. Abnormally high levels on this day typically showcase problems with egg supply or production, and is unusual in young women of prime breeding age.

As you can see, high levels of follicle stimulation hormone is a serious concern that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Thankfully, this problem can be overcome with the proper therapy and treatment methods. Check out places like Missouri Center for Reproductive Medicine for more information.