FSH (in men)

Advanced wellness

also 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.

within Men's Hormones