Follicle stimulating hormone, also known as FSH, is a hormone released by the brain's pituitary gland to signal the production of eggs in women. According to Medline Plus, a normal level of FSH during the childbearing years is between 3.5 and 3.0 international units per liter. As a woman enters menopause, this number progressively increases. High FSH levels are often associated with infertility due to menopause or other factors. Your FSH levels are determined through a blood test, and your doctor may advise you on a course of action to improve your fertility. In addition, there may be natural ways to lower your FSH levels, although these are not considered medical treatments.
Step 1
Try acupuncture or acupressure. According to The Labor of Love.com, increasing the flow of blood to your ovaries may make them more viable for fertilization, and may decrease your FSH levels. Labor Of Love.com notes that while these methods may be useful to some, in other cases high FSH may be a result of low ovarian reserve, or a lack of eggs. You should talk with your doctor about the issues that may be affecting your high FSH, so you'll know what steps to take.
Step 2
Make dietary modifications. According to Nurture Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine advises eating foods that will promote the production of estrogen, and avoiding spicy foods or foods that are high in sugar. Nurture Acupuncture also recommends some organic "superfoods" such as chlorophyll and wheatgrass, as well as green, leafy vegetables. The Labor Of Love.com also advises avoiding caffeine, refined carbohydrates and tobacco when trying to lower FSH levels. While dietary changes may be useful, they aren't proven to be effective in this regard.
Step 3
Take dietary supplements. According to the Labor of Love.com, there are some herbal supplements that may be useful in lowering your FSH levels. Supplements that include blue green algae and royal jelly are thought to be particularly useful in lowering FSH levels for women seeking to conceive. Various Chinese herbs, particularly those designed for kidney, spleen and liver health, are also thought to address the issue of elevated FSH, reports Nurture Acupuncture. You should discuss these possible approaches with your doctor based on your individual circumstances. These herbal supplements are not a medical treatment for high FSH.
Tips and Warnings
- Discuss the possibility of medical treatments with your doctor. If you aren't able to improve fertility naturally, your doctor may advise other potential treatments.
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