Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is one of two gonadotropins secreted from the pituitary gland to regulate ovarian function and follicular growth and maturation (LH or luteinizing hormone is the other). FSH stimulates ovarian estrogen production and appears to play a critical role in the selection of a dominant follicle. Estradiol, produced by the ovaries, sends a signal to the brain to decrease FSH production. If insufficient estrogen is produced by the ovary, the brain doesn’t receive the signal; FSH production continues, and may become elevated.
Chinese medicine treatment for reducing elevated FSH and promoting fertility
Chinese medicine is very effective in correcting hormonal balance, and has a long history of helping women with elevated FSH to conceive. Through the use of acupuncture, herbs and massage, we are able to improve blood flow into the reproductive organs and restore balance to hormonal production, often reducing FSH levels in the process. Dietary modification and stress reduction techniques are often a critical component of the overall protocol for women with elevated FSH. Treatment with Chinese medicine may provide the following benefits:
- Improved egg quality
- Improved ovarian function
- Reduction in stress levels
- Regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis
- Normalization of menstrual cycles
- Induction of ovulation
- Reduction of miscarriage rate
- Improved hormonal production
- Increased rate of conception
- Improved blood flow to reproductive organs
- Reduction of menopause-like symptoms
High FSH and ovarian reserve
High levels of FSH are indicative of a disturbance in the ovarian-pituitary signaling loop. Elevations in FSH may be a marker of impaired fertility when they are abnormal, but do not accurately predict high fertility when normal. Reference ranges for FSH are laboratory-dependent, and FSH varies from cycle to cycle. High FSH, as a general rule, can be defined as a day 3 value of over 10 mg/dl. Ovarian reserve is defined as the health of the ovaries and the eggs they contain. As a woman ages, the number of eggs in reserve naturally decreases and her FSH levels increase. The estimate of the number of eggs in reserve can only be approximated.