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FSH (in men)
Advanced wellnessalso follicle-stimulating hormone
What it isA pituitary hormone that stimulates spermatogenesis in the testes by acting on Sertoli cells.
DoesDrives sperm production and supports testicular volume.
GoodA mid-range FSH alongside normal testosterone signals an intact pituitary-gonadal axis.
BadHigh FSH with low testosterone indicates testicular failure (primary hypogonadism). Low FSH with low testosterone indicates pituitary failure (secondary hypogonadism). Exogenous testosterone suppresses FSH to undetectable.
- Standard
- 1.5–12.4 mIU/mL.
- Optimal
- 2.0–6.0 mIU/mL (narrow target)
- Modifiers
- Crushed by exogenous testosterone or anabolic steroids; elevated with primary testicular failure.
How to optimize
- Lifestyle
- Address sleep, stress, alcohol; avoid prolonged exposure to scrotal heat.
- Diet
- Adequate calories and protein; zinc, selenium, antioxidants for sperm health.
- Supplements
- Zinc, CoQ10 (200mg/day for sperm), L-carnitine (1–2g/day).
- Peptides
- Gonadorelin, kisspeptin-10 stimulate pituitary FSH/LH release; hMG contains FSH activity.
- Drugs
- Clomiphene, enclomiphene, hCG, hMG (recombinant FSH) for fertility preservation or restoration.
L-CarnitineL-CarnitineKisspeptinZinc
Reference ranges are general adult lab norms; optimal ranges are editorial picks from the longevity literature — not medical advice. Always interpret results with your physician.
within Men's Hormones