FSH During Pregnancy - Everything You Need To Know

FSH during pregnancy remains low throughout — high levels may indicate an underlying disorder.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Annal Vaidya, MS Dr. Annal Vaidya Dr. Annal VaidyaMS MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on LinkedinFollow MomJunction on Instagram Specialty: Obstetrics & GynecologyExperience: 3 years
Written by , MSc shreeja pillai MSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pharma and HealthExperience: 2.5 years
Edited by , BSc Rebecca Malachi BSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pregnancy, Health and WellnessExperience: 12 years
Fact-checked by , M.Pharm, PhD Dr. Joyani Das M.Pharm, PhD Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pharma, Health and WellnessExperience: 3.5 years
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A Pregnant Women Suffering From FSH

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FSH is a hormone that plays a crucial role in both male and female sexual development and function, and its levels may be measured via a blood or urine test. While there is no significant role of FSH during pregnancy as it remains low throughout the pregnancy, your doctor may suggest this test during prenatal visits to rule out specific disorders. Read this post to know more about FSH, its importance during pregnancy, and how the test is done.

In This Article

What Is The Meaning Of FSH?

FSH is the shorter term used to refer to the follicle stimulating hormone. It is one of the many hormones that are secreted by the pituitary glandiA tiny, pea-sized gland that is critical for controlling all other glands in the body . FSH stimulates your ovaries, helps to produce mature eggs and also helps in ovulation. It also helps to regularize your menstrual cycle. Furthermore, it also signals the ovaries to produce estrogen (1). In men, it helps to produce sperm. The FSH, along with the luteinizing hormoneiA hormone responsible for the body’s functioning and stability by regulating hormones and controlling the nervous system , helps to take care of many important functions in your body.

What Should Be FSH Levels During Pregnancy?

Ideal FSH in pregnancy are extremely crucial while you are pregnant. It helps to form the placentaiA temporary organ that develops during pregnancy and provides the fetus with oxygen and nutrients , especially during the initial months of your pregnancy. When you are pregnant, your FSH levels should ideally be below 2 mlU/ml. Remember that while you are pregnant, your body will go through a lot of changes . As your pregnancy progresses, your FSH levels should definitely be between 3 to 10 mlU/ml.

What Conditions Can Lower The FSH Levels?

A condition known as anorexia nervosa can lower your FSH levels extensively.

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There are various conditions that may lower your FSH levels:

  • A condition known as anorexia nervosaiAn eating disorder characterized by severe food restriction and an intense fear of putting on weight can lower your FSH levels extensively.
  • Any disorder in the hypothalamusiAn area in the brain that is responsible for hormone production and stimulating body processes. can cause a dip in your FSH levels.
  • Any disorder in the pituitary gland can also make your FSH levels go extremely low.
protip_icon Quick fact
Rapid weight loss or being underweight may also be responsible for low FSH levels in women (4).

What Do Low FSH Levels Indicate?

Very poor FSH levels can also indicate a condition known as Turner syndrome.

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Your FSH levels during pregnancy will generally be too low to be measured properly. This might look like the levels are very low. A low count of FSH could indicate the following conditions:

  • A condition known as hypopituitarism, where your pituitary gland does not produce the hormones it is supposed to produce. In some cases, it may produce them in very low quantities.
  • Very poor FSH levels can also indicate a condition known as Turner syndrome. It is a chromosome-related condition that affects the development and growth of females.
protip_icon Quick fact
If Turner syndrome is suspected, the doctors may advise a genetic blood test (karyotype). Skin or cheek cells may also be examined for further diagnosis (5).

How Do You Prepare For The FSH Test?

There are a few steps that have to be followed before going for the FSH test. While you are pregnant, there may be certain variations keeping your condition and health in mind. Speak to your doctor first to know how you should prepare before going for the test. Here are the steps that are generally followed in preparation:

You will not have to stop any fluid or food intake. You can eat your normal diet.

Your doctor may ask you to stop taking any medications 48 hours prior to the test. Speak to your doctor about your pregnancy and mention the medications you are currently taking. Your doctor may ask you to stop all or a few of them. In some cases, your doctor may allow you to continue with medication even when you are about to go for the test.

Are There Any Special Precautions To Be Taken After The Test?

In case you feel uncomfortable, ask for assistance and sit down where you are comfortable.

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There are no special precautions that you need to take. However, make sure you inform the healthcare provider about your pregnancy. In case you feel dizzy or uncomfortable during or after the test, ask for assistance and sit down where you are comfortable.

Can The Test For FSH During Pregnancy Cause Any Side Effects?

If you feel dizzy after the test, inform your doctor about it.

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The FSH test is considered absolutely safe and does not have any known side effects. If you experience any discomfort or dizziness during pregnancy, whether during or after the test, be sure to inform your healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens to LH and FSH levels during pregnancy?

Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels can remain low and return to normal levels in the follicular phase around 20 days after delivery. During the early weeks of pregnancy, the FSH levels can be around 0.1international units (IU). Luteinizing hormone (LH) surge is not seen in pregnancy, and it may remain at low levels in pregnancy (1).

2. Does high FSH cause miscarriage?

Elevated FSH levels are associated with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) or miscarriage in some women. This can be due to diminished ovarian reserveiThe estimated reproductive capacity of a woman’s ovaries based on the quality and the quantity of eggs (2).

3. Is it possible to conceive with high FSH?

Studies have shown that the conception rate was low or nonexistent, with an FSH value greater than 15. Some pregnancies occur in women with FSH levels between 10 and 15 IU. Many IVF clinics accept FSH values less than 10 for their selected candidates (3).

4. What is a good FSH level for fertility?

FSH values can be between 4.7 to 21.2 in women still menstruating. The indicated values may vary based on the test and other factors (4).

Follicle stimulating hormone or FSH during pregnancy usually remains low. In women, the hormone stimulates the release of eggs from the ovaries. Disorders of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus may reduce FSH secretion. Additionally, Turner syndrome may cause low FSH levels. An FSH test may be suggested during pregnancy to screen for certain disorders. Some medications may alter the results of an FSH test, so you may inform your doctor beforehand about the medicines you are using before taking the test.

Infographic: Conditions Causing Abnormal FSH Levels

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is crucial for the reproductive system to function properly. In women, it assists in producing mature eggs. However, your doctor may suggest getting your FSH levels checked during pregnancy. The infographic below discusses the conditions that usually cause abnormal FSH levels in the body.

possible reasons for abnormal fsh levels(infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • FSH is a pituitary hormone that helps produce sperm, causes eggs to mature, regulates the menstrual cycle, and forms the placenta during pregnancy.
  • Low levels of FSH caused by anorexia nervosa, hypothalamic disorders, and pituitary gland-related disorders can lead to hypopituitarism and Turner syndrome in pregnant women.
  • The expected optimum level of FSH during the first trimester of pregnancy is below 2mlU/ml and progressively between 3 and 10mlU/ml.
  • One need not fast when preparing for an FSH test, but should stop taking some medications. Consultation with a doctor is recommended.
  • The FSH test is considered safe for pregnant women and the fetus, but any discomfort experienced during the test, such as dizziness, should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Illustration: FSH Levels During Pregnancy

FSH During Pregnancy_illustration

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team


Learn about the roles of the hormones FSH and AMH in your pregnancy, explained in detailed by a fertility specialist.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Level Test.
    https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/follicle-stimulating-hormone-fsh-levels-test/#:~:text=In%20women%2C%20FSH%20helps%20control,control%20the%20production%20of%20sperm.
  2. M Hirano et al.; (1976); Dynamic changes of serum LH and FSH during pregnancy and puerperium.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/772883/
  3. S W Trout and D B Seifer; (2000); Do women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss have higher day 3 serum FSH and estradiol values?.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10927054/
  4. Fertility FSH Levels Study.
    https://www.ohsu.edu/womens-health/fertility
  5. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) blood test.
    https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/tests/follicle-stimulating-hormone-fsh-blood-test
  6. About Turner Syndrome.
    https://www.turnersyndrome.org/ts-overview
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Dr. Annal Vaidya
Dr. Annal VaidyaMS
Dr. Annal Vaidya is a former assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the prestigious Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai. He has three years of experience and currently works as a consultant in various hospitals in the city.

Read full bio of Dr. Annal Vaidya
shreeja pillai
shreeja pillaiMSc
Shreeja holds a postgraduate degree in Chemistry and diploma in Drug Regulatory Affairs from the University of Mumbai. Before joining MomJunction, she worked as a research analyst with a leading multinational pharmaceutical company.

Read full bio of shreeja pillai
Rebecca Malachi
Rebecca MalachiBSc
Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi
Dr. Joyani Das
Dr. Joyani DasM.Pharm, PhD
Dr. Joyani Das did her post-graduation from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra and PhD in Pharmacology. Previously, she worked as an associate professor, faculty of Pharmacology, for two years. With her research background in preclinical studies and a zeal for scientific writing, she joined MomJunction as a health writer.

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