FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) is produced by the pituitary gland in both men and women. Among other things, it is essential for both male and female fertility that its level fluctuates within normal physiological parameters. Always start by consulting your doctor so you can get tested to detect your levels, diagnose any health problems, and develop an appropriate treatment plan. If it is necessary to decrease the production of this hormone (the most commonly requested "enhancement" in order to increase fertility), the doctor may also recommend some dietary and lifestyle changes.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Undergo Analysis and Treatments
Step 1. See your doctor for testing and diagnosis
A simple blood draw can determine whether FSH levels are higher or lower than normal in your situation. If tests reveal abnormal values, your doctor will order additional tests to diagnose the cause before developing a treatment plan.
- In men, normal FSH levels range between 1.4 and 15.5 IU / ml. The range in women is much wider and varies according to age and menstrual cycle.
- To diagnose the root cause of an abnormality in FSH levels, your doctor may order a blood test for hormone testing to compare the production of certain hormones at the systemic level (such as GnRH and estrogen) or a biochemical analysis to check enzymes and other substances that affect the functioning of certain organs and glands.
- In some circumstances, doctors may have x-rays or other imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI to diagnose the cause of an abnormal FSH level.
Step 2. Learn about diseases that can affect FSH levels
The production of this hormone is determined by a delicate and complex interaction of hormones. Therefore, there are several disorders that can affect it and it is important to identify and treat them in order to restore normal hormonal balance. The most common causes are:
- Aging: In women, FSH levels increase physiologically during their 30s and 40s as menopause approaches. When they are tall, they compromise fertility.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: It is characterized by the presence of multiple cystic follicles in the ovaries, which cause excessive estrogen and androgen production. A high level of these hormones can significantly lower that of FSH.
- Hypopituitarism: in this case, the function of the pituitary is inhibited and can greatly affect the levels of FSH, as it affects exactly the gland that secretes this hormone.
- Hypogonadism: As a result of various disorders, the reduced activity of the gonads (the testes in men and the ovaries in women) can interfere with FSH levels.
- Tumors: The presence of a tumor in the pituitary, ovaries or testes can compromise normal FSH levels.
Step 3. Follow the therapy recommended by your doctor
Treatments can vary enormously based on your individual FSH levels, your medical conditions, and your specific circumstances - for example, a 30-year-old woman trying to get pregnant. If you have undergone fertility treatments, you will need to follow a specific schedule, which may include injections and / or pills, to keep your FSH levels under control.
- In some cases, your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for you. It involves taking medications in tablets, topical gels, patches or vaginal ring in order to regulate the levels of certain hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which in turn can improve FSH levels.
- Whatever treatment you are prescribed, it is essential that you follow your doctor's instructions to the letter. Don't be afraid to ask questions, get clarifications, or ask for demonstrations.
Step 4. Undergo surgery, if necessary, to remove any tumors or cysts
In some cases, a low FSH level may be due to a tumor or cyst in the ovaries, testes, or pituitary gland. Keep in mind that most cysts and tumors are not fatal, but surgical excision can improve FSH levels and solve other health problems you suffer from.
The complexity of the operation and the associated risks vary greatly depending on the specific case. Discuss your problem and possible solutions with your doctor so that you are informed and prepared
Method 2 of 3: Try Foods and Supplements to Lower FSH Levels
Step 1. Increase your consumption of foods containing omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids play a very important role in hormone production, which in turn can improve that of FSH. It has been found that increasing your omega-3 intake through diet or supplements can reduce elevated FSH levels in some cases.
- Consult your doctor before trying to regulate FSH levels with a diet, dietary supplement, or lifestyle changes. His surgery is generally the best option and it is important that he is aware of any other treatment you are using.
- Excellent sources of omega-3s include fatty fish (salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines, herring, and anchovies), nuts, flax seeds, seaweed, and beans. You can also take these nutrients in the form of supplements.
Step 2. Eat more dark green leafy vegetables
They provide the body with a range of vitamins and minerals necessary to ensure a healthy endocrine system which, in turn, is indispensable for the production of FSH. They include kale, spinach, broccoli and kale, as well as seaweed, including nori, kelp, and wakame.
- Your doctor may recommend that you consume at least five servings of these foods per day. Follow her suggestion by mixing kale into a smoothie for breakfast, eating a green salad for lunch, and including at least two servings of vegetables or seaweed for dinner.
- If you are on blood thinning medication, you will likely need to avoid eating dark green leafy vegetables. Consult your doctor.
Step 3. Increase your ginseng consumption
Ginseng helps support and nourish the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, both of which are essential in regulating FSH levels. You can take ginseng as a supplement. In this case, your doctor may recommend that you take two 500 mg capsules, twice a day.
However, be sure not to take more than the recommended dose as it can impair your blood's ability to inhibit clotting
Step 4. Take the recommended dose of maca
Maca is a root that grows in high-altitude areas exposed to strong sunlight. It helps nourish the endocrine system and has a positive effect on FSH levels as well. It can be found on the market in the form of a supplement and the recommended dose is 2000-3000 mg per day.
Consult your doctor about taking a maca supplement and ask what the right dose should be
Step 5. Take chaste tree capsules daily, if recommended
The chaste tree is a shrub that helps regulate the functionality of the pituitary gland and, consequently, balance hormone production. There is some evidence that this plant can help reduce FSH levels in certain cases.
- You can take it as a supplement and the recommended dose ranges from 900 to 1000 mg per day.
- Remember that chaste tree capsules are most effective on an empty stomach, so you should ingest them early in the morning before breakfast.
Method 3 of 3: Making Lifestyle Changes to Lower FSH Levels
Step 1. Try to keep your body weight normal to increase your chances of regulating FSH levels
A healthy weight is essential to ensure proper production of FSH and other hormones. Being overweight can, in some cases, contribute to increasing these values and, consequently, negatively affect fertility.
- On the other hand, even being underweight is capable of lowering FSH production to a level that compromises fertility.
- In general, weight is considered healthy if your BMI (body mass index) is between 18, 5 and 25. However, you should always consult your doctor to determine what your ideal weight is and how best to achieve it.
- If you need to lose weight, work with your doctor to focus your attention on healthy goals, such as exercising more and eating nutritious foods.
Step 2. Reduce stress to keep FSH and other hormones in check
When you are under pressure, the body releases stress hormones (such as cortisol), which in turn negatively affect the balance of FSH and other hormones. Therefore, it is important to relieve stress to improve the situation.
- To reduce it, you can use some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, meditation, practice light physical activity, go for walks surrounded by nature, listen to relaxing music, read a relaxing book, take a hot bath or talk to an old friend. Find the method that best suits your needs.
- Getting enough sleep is also an important factor in reducing stress.
Step 3. Stimulate FSH production with massage
A relaxing massage can certainly relieve stress, and there is some evidence to support that stress reduction can improve FSH levels, in turn. However, there is no concrete evidence that a "fertility massage" can offer any particular benefits. Keep this in mind before booking a massage with a professional who offers this type of service.
- Instead, you can try self-massage to stimulate the glands that regulate FSH and other hormones. Gently massage the lower abdomen for 10-15 minutes a day using circular motions.
- If the lack of scientific evidence doesn't worry you, you might as well try rubbing under the big toe. In foot reflexology, the big toe is connected to the pituitary gland, so it is considered essential in the balance of hormone production.
Step 4. Carefully consider cleansing methods to increase fertility before resorting to them
A quick search on the Internet shows numerous home and outpatient remedies to "cleanse and improve fertility" by eliminating excess hormones. Proponents of this method claim that a systemic cleansing before trying to get pregnant can increase the chances of pregnancy. However, there is no reliable scientific evidence to support this theory, and any type of purification can present health risks.
