Follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, is responsible for the regulation of reproductive processes of the body. It also plays a huge role in development, growth and maturation in puberty. Abnormal levels of FSH lead to problems in fertility. Low FSH levels often result in conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, hypothalamic suppression and gonadotropin deficiency. Men with low FSH levels are unable to produce normal sperm count, while women experience cessation of their reproductive cycles.
The first signs of abnormal FSH levels usually appear during puberty, when the body is at its maturing stage. The usual indications of puberty, such as pubic hair growth, growth of genitals in men and menstruation and development of breasts in women, manifest among teens usually from ages 12 to 16. However, these signs can appear earlier or much later than this period, which can indicate problems of low FSH levels.
Causes
There are several causes of low FSH levels. The causes can be congenital or acquired. In men, a main cause of lower FSH level is subnormal phallic development, which leads to the formation of micropenis. Mental retardation and head traumas are also a factor that can lower FSH levels. The main cause of low FSH levels is a pituitary hormone deficiency. Excessive exercise can also cause lower FSH levels. Other factors you can control that lower FSH levels are stress and smoking.
Treatments
There are respective treatments for abnormal FSH levels for men and women. Hormone replacement therapy is the common treatment for women, where progesterone and estrogen will be administered. Men are treated with testosterone replacement therapy through the application of patches; it can also be applied intramuscularly. For patients with conditions such as adrenal or gonadal tumors, surgery is most likely recommended.
