Roles In Males

In Males the Sertoli cells are induced by the FSH to secrete androgen-binding proteins (ABPs). Inhibin’s negative feedback mechanism on the anterior pituitary gland regulates its activity. The activation of Sertoli cells sustains spermatogenesis and the secretion of inhibin B is also stimulated.

Consequences In Males

In Males The primary spermatocytes are stimulated by the FSH to undergo the first division of meiosis to form secondary spermatocytes. The production of androgen-binding proteins by the Sertoli cells of the testes is enhanced by FSH which initiates spermatogenesis.

Roles In Females

In Females the FSH initiates the follicular growth by affecting the granulosa cells. The rise in inhibin B cause a decline in the FSH level in the late follicular phase. There is a slight rise in the FSH level at the end of the luteal phase that has its significance in starting the next ovulatory cycle.

Consequences In Females

In Females The follicle-stimulating hormone controls the menstrual cycles. The growth and recruitment of the immature follicles in the ovary are stimulated by the FSH.

High FSH Levels:

In females, the FSH level is high after menopause. It may contribute to cardiovascular diseases or postmenopausal osteoporosis.
If the FSH level is high during the reproductive years, it is abnormal and is associated with a number of complications including premature ovarian aging/failure, gonadal dysgenesis, turner/ Klinefelter/swyer syndrome, castration, testicular failure, etc.

Low FSH Levels:

Low levels of FSH are chiefly associated with hypogonadism or simply the failure of gonadal function. In males, failure in the production of a normal number of sperms, and in females, interrupted reproductive cycles is reported. The consequences of low FSH secretions may include polycystic ovarian syndrome + infertility, hypothalamic suppression, hypopituitarism, hyperprolactinemia, gonadotropin deficiency, etc.

FSH Test For Women

In women, the FSH test is associated with the assessment of infertility problems or interrupted menstrual cycles. It may also be done for diagnosing the diseases involving the ovaries or the disorders of the pituitary gland.

FSH Test For Men

FSH tests in men may be conducted to analyze low sperm count. Another reason for conducting the test may be the assessment of the gonadal failure of testicular dysfunction.

FSH Test For Children

FSH test in children is associated with the diagnosis of the onset of puberty on both cases either if the child experiences early or delayed puberty, FSH test is conducted for the assessments.

In Women

If a woman if we try to find out what causes high FSH levels, then the possible medical diseases include polycystic ovarian syndrome, chromosomal abnormality, loss of ovarian function or ovarian failure, or menopause. High FSH levels and pregnancy can also occur but, the entire pregnancy has to be dealt with extreme caution to avoid any chances to miscarriage.
FSH test is also conducted to determine a woman’s ovarian reserve (women’s age-related fertility potential). If she reports a high level of FSH then this indicates that the chances of becoming pregnant may be lower than expected for her age and such cases probably need infertility treatments.

In Men

In order to understand what causes high FSH levels in males, the possible causes include Klinefelter’s syndrome or any testicle-related disorders, either they are absent, not functioning properly, or are damaged.

In Children

High FSH level in children indicates that the onset of puberty is near.
How to Reduce High FSH Levels
Generally, it is easier to reduce high levels of FSH by using various medications such as Lupron and estrogen, however medications should only be taken after checking FSH levels twice.

In Women

Its chief indication in women is the slow or total absence of the production of eggs. Other indications may be the dysfunction of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland or any tumor which may be interfering with the brain’s activity of producing FSH.

In Men

Low FSH levels report that the man is not producing sperm. Other indications are the same as for women like interference of any tumor with the brain activity or the dysfunction of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.

In Children

Low FSH levels are the clear indication of delayed puberty in children, this means that the sexual features and organs are not developing at the time when they should.