Can High FSH be Lowered?

If you’ve been diagnosed with high FSH, you’re probably asking yourself a big question: Can FSH be lowered? The answer is … maybe. This is actually a somewhat controversial subject. Even with all the advances that have been made in understanding fertility in recent years, fertility doctors don’t really know if FSH can be lowered, or if doing so results in improved fertility.

It is generally suggested by physicians that the answer to this question is no, high FSH levels cannot be lowered. One thing that’s gotten a lot of attention recently is that FSH levels may be artificially suppressed by estrogen therapy (such as with birth control pills). The idea is that by lowering FSH levels with estrogen, the ovaries will be tricked into responding when large doses of FSH are later given by fertility injections. However, no research has supported this idea so far.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and FSH

Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), however, believe that there are things you can do to lower your FSH. These have to do with dietary changes (such as cutting wheat products and cold foods out of your diet), taking certain herbal supplements, reducing stress, exercising and acupuncture. One study conducted in China on the effects of TCM on FSH levels found that these practices reduced FSH levels. Unfortunately, other than this there has been very little research to date. If this is something you are interested in trying, you should speak to your fertility doctor first, especially if you are interested in taking any herbal supplements.

FSH Levels Vary

FSH levels can vary from cycle to cycle. Having one high FSH reading does not necessarily mean that you are infertile. Your next reading could be normal simply as part of your body’s natural cycles. Thus, if you have a high reading you should try to get another one to confirm that your FSH is actually high. However, you should keep in mind that your highest reading seems to be the best predictor of how you will respond to fertility treatment, even if you have had a mix of high and low readings.

High FSH is something that researchers are very interested in, so keep your eyes open for any new information about this topic.