Follicle-stimulating hormone role in the male body

The ability of young people to successfully conceive a child will depend on a large number of factors, the main of which will be hormonal levels. According to the analysis, which determines the level of hormones that the body produces, it is possible to determine the patient's condition. The most important indicator responsible for reproductive function in men is FSH, which is produced by cells in the anterior pituitary gland. So, FSH in men is a hormone that is also in the female body, let's figure out what it is and what is it for?

Follicle-stimulating hormone in men, together with luteinizing hormone, guarantee the correct functioning of the gonads. FSH and LH are found in both the male and female body, but in different quantities and perform different functions. The concentration of these hormones is a very important indicator for the reproductive system.

In the male body, the production of semen and the viability of sperm will depend on this indicator. In men, through FSH, spermatogenesis increases and conditions are formed for the proper functioning and development of the seminiferous tubules and testes.

In addition, FSH is responsible for stimulating the synthesis of androgen-binding protein within Sertoli cells and transports testosterone to the epididymis, which ensures proper sperm development.

Follicle-stimulating hormone functions

• Ensures the growth and proper function of the testes and seminiferous tubules.
• Increases the production of globular protein, which is involved in the binding of male hormones.
• Stimulates spermatogenesis.
• Carries testosterone to the epididymis.

The norm of FSH in men will depend on several factors:

• Male age;
• Presence of chronic diseases;
• Nutritional features;
• Bad habits.

The concentration will be determined by a special analysis, which is taken three times with an interval of 30 minutes. Results may be unreliable with anabolic steroids, some anticonvulsants, and alcoholic beverages. In the case when competent preparation for the analysis was carried out, and as a result, an increased concentration was detected, the patient should contact a specialist for further examination.

Increased concentration will be observed with deviations in the work of the gonads, while problems with conception are quite possible. Also, an increase can be in the presence of inflammation in the testes and an increased concentration of androgens, as well as neoplasms in the pituitary gland. In these cases, treatment consists in eliminating the cause of the failure.

FSH hormone will be one of the main indicators in the diagnosis of many diseases of both the female and male genital area. Due to the fact that the female and male reproductive systems are arranged differently, as well as the processes occurring in them, therefore, the normal value for each sex will be different. Men can donate blood for analysis any day. The male norm is considered to be 1.37 - 13.58 cu.

Before donating blood for analysis it is necessary:

• Refrain from smoking;
• Refrain from drinking alcohol;
• Refrain from physical activity.

Increasing the concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone

It should be noted that a deviation from the normal value to the greater or lesser side indicates that it is necessary to conduct a survey. In the case of an increase in the concentration in the blood, it can be assumed that there are significant health problems in a man.

If the analysis showed an increase, then the specialist will definitely prescribe an additional examination and tests in order to determine why the hormone has such indicators.

The concentration of FSH in the blood in men can be increased in the following cases:

• In the presence of an inflammatory process of the testicles;
• Due to abnormalities in the work of the genital organs;
• Due to the increased concentration of androgens;
• When taking certain medications;
• For alcohol abuse;
• If there is a pituitary tumor;
• For renal failure;
• After irradiation.

In addition, the rate may vary depending on the season of the year.

In case of an increase in the concentration of a hormone in the blood, you should know how to lower it. Usually hormonal treatment is used to make FSH normal. Sometimes it is necessary to treat the cause that led to the increase, rather than decrease the concentration.

If the concentration of FSH has increased as a result of exposure to X-rays, then after six months or a year, the concentration of the hormone will return to normal without additional treatment.

Decreased concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone

A decrease in the level of FSH in men can be caused by testicular atrophy, as well as impotence, the absence of sperm in the ejaculate.A low concentration of this hormone also occurs in the case of abnormalities in the functioning of the pituitary gland.

In addition, experts note that as a result of a decrease in the production of follicle-stimulating hormone, libido decreases, the amount of hair on the body decreases, and wrinkles appear earlier.

When the concentration of FSH in men is low, then the risk of such male diseases as impotence and testicular atrophy increases. In addition, partial or complete absence of sperm can be detected.

Unambiguously, when identifying deviations in hormonal abnormalities, it is necessary to seek the advice of a specialist. Only a doctor can prescribe adequate therapy that will help eliminate the causes of abnormalities and bring the hormone level back to normal.