Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a substance made by the pituitary gland that stimulates the ovarian follicles in women to release at least one egg every month for ovulation. When FSH levels are too low or too high, the follicles may not be properly stimulated, making reproduction difficult or even impossible without medical intervention. The main type of FSH treatment available is the injection of hormones into the body, which is often called hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Some patients may prefer to try an alternative method of using herbs and nutritious foods to balance out the hormones. Other FSH treatment options may include attaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, and using exercise or acupuncture to improve blood flow to the pelvis.
One of the most common types of FSH treatment administered by a doctor is the injection of hormones. For example, those who have low levels of this hormone may have artificial FSH injected into their body in an effort to increase the levels. Patients with low FSH levels may be offered birth control pills or HRT to increase the amount of estrogen and progesterone in the body, which may in turn help produce the right amount of FSH. While these types of FSH treatment may stabilize the levels of this hormone, they do not necessarily increase fertility, because they cannot necessarily improve the quality of the eggs. Such treatment, however, can usually relieve the symptoms that come with high or low FSH.
Some treatment options, such as taking herbal supplements and eating certain foods, are considered by some to be more natural than injecting hormones into the body and, because eating the right foods can improve nutrition, such treatment also may improve overall health. For example, bee pollen, spirulina and sea vegetables that include kelp are all known for being nutritious and helping the endocrine system. Including such foods in one's diet, therefore, may result in the pituitary gland secreting the right amount of FSH. Some herbs are said to have similar effects, including maca, vitex and American ginseng. Patients are encouraged to ask their doctor before starting such an FSH treatment, to ensure that it doesn't interfere with any other treatment efforts or health conditions.
Patients also may be advised to make a few lifestyle changes in an attempt to stabilize FSH levels. Staying at a healthy weight and keeping stress at bay are a few ways to change FSH levels for the better, because these factors tend to affect hormones. Another alternative option is to try acupuncture in an attempt to increase the blood supply to the ovaries, which may help improve follicle growth and egg production. Yoga or other regular exercise may have a similar effect.
