Dealing with High-FSH levels and Pregnancy

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) stimulates the female ovaries to produce a mature egg for fertilization. By measuring a woman's FSH levels, doctors get an indication of the quantity of the woman’s eggs remaining as well as her chances of having a successful pregnancy. Eggs are not replaceable as a woman is born with all of the eggs she will ever have. As she ages, the quality and quantity of the eggs decreases.

Declining ovarian function is indicated by an elevation of FSH levels. Increased levels are seen in primary or premature ovarian failure, sometimes referred to as early menopause. FSH levels are usually checked around cycle day three. The tests may show a rise or fall in FSH levels over a couple of months. A rise is an indication of a problem with a woman’s ovarian egg supply, leading to difficulties in treating infertility. This however does not mean that a woman with high FSH levels cannot get pregnant. Checking FSH levels assists in deciding upon treatment options. Along with FSH level, Estradiol levels are also tested since they are indicators of ovarian reserve.

By measuring the amount of FSH, doctors can suggest specific treatments (such as in-vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination) that could maximize the chances of becoming pregnant. Assisted hatching in IVF is also an option for women with elevated basal FSH levels who may also have a thickened wall around the egg called the zona.

Can FSH Levels be lowered?

FSH can be artificially suppressed by taking birth control pills or synthetic estrogen. However there are mixed reports whether these options are really beneficial. Research is currently underway to find a way of using stem cells to either create egg cells or to fabricate eggs using donated egg material and the woman’s DNA.

High FSH Levels – What they could mean

High FSH levels correlate with poor pregnancy rates. A normal FSH level is usually under 10, whereas an abnormal level is anything above 25. Measurements between 10 and 25 are generally considered to be borderline cases. FSH levels vary a bit across laboratories depending on which assay system is used. It’s best to retest the FSH in the new RE’s lab so that there is no confusion.

High FSH levels warrant an immediate treatment regimen since even a short delay in treatment could mean the difference between conceiving and not conceiving. This condition is also a case for considering using an egg donor.

For women, in their 20s or early 30s, high FSH may be due to immune abnormalities or an undetected infection. Sometimes the level returns to normalcy on its own. However the high FSH levels that occur in women age 38 and older are unlikely to be reversible.

East Bay fertility Center Dublin California, specializes in the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of infertility providing a complete mind-body experience for fertility couples. East Bay’s experienced medical staff is headed by Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, Medical Director and physician. Dr Snowden is Board Certified in Obstetric, Gynecology, and Reproductive Endocrinology with advanced Fellowship training in the treatment of infertility, recurrent miscarriages and hormonal disorders in women. East Bay Fertility Center conducts FSH tests in the course of infertility tests to check the ovarian egg supply and recommends the best possible course of treatment.

Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation.