Updated by the Progyny Clinical Team — July 2025.
When you’re trying to get pregnant, there are many hormonal factors you’ll encounter that can impact the process. One of the hormones instrumental for becoming pregnant is called follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).
While high FSH levels can affect your fertility, it can be confusing to know what’s true and what’s not. We’re here to set the record straight.
Myth: FSH isn’t vital to fertility
It is vital to fertility. Without FSH, your ovarian follicles will not be stimulated to produce eggs, and you won’t ovulate. Follicles are small, fluid-filled sacs within the ovaries that contain immature eggs.
Myth: So high FSH must be better than low FSH
Low FSH levels are better when you’re trying to get pregnant. If you have fewer eggs left, your body has to work harder to grow one, so your FSH levels go up. In other words, the fewer eggs you have, the higher your FSH will be. Myth: High FSH levels mean I’m an ideal candidate for fertility treatment
If your FSH levels are very high, you won’t be considered a good candidate for fertility treatment. This is because when your ovarian reserve (how many eggs remain) is low, even if your ovaries are stimulated with fertility medications, they can’t produce eggs well.
But there is an alternative. While in vitro fertilization with your own eggs may not be an option, many people have great success with donor eggs.
Myth: If I have high FSH, then I’m in menopause for sure
Not necessarily. Though menopause is the most common cause of high FSH levels, there are other causes of high FSH. Your fertility provider can help you determine what the cause might be. Your high FSH levels could be due to a few conditions, including:
- Premature menopause
- Premature ovarian insufficiency (when the ovaries stop working too early)
- Rare conditions like congenital adrenal hyperplasia or a pituitary tumor
Myth: I have high FSH, which means I’m never going to get pregnant
If you have high FSH, your ability to get pregnant will depend on exactly how high your FSH levels are, as well as your age. Your provider can help you understand what your levels mean for your individual fertility treatment options.
Sometimes, your provider will want to recheck the FSH during another menstrual cycle, as there can be month-to-month variability in the levels. Pursuing fertility treatment in a month where the level is lower may result in a more successful treatment cycle.
Myth: My FSH levels are normal, so that isn’t the problem
Even if your FSH levels look normal or low, high estrogen levels can make them appear lower than they really are. Your provider will typically check your estrogen and FSH levels at the same time — ideally at the start of your period — to get a more accurate picture.
Myth: My high FSH levels can’t be lowered
FSH levels can be lowered with medications including estrogen and birth control pills. However, lowering FSH levels doesn’t change the ovarian reserve, or the chances of becoming pregnant.
Keep in mind that low FSH levels can also be a symptom of pituitary gland or hypothalamus (brain-related) conditions. Talk to your provider to learn more about treatments, if necessary.
You may hear that some herbs, supplements, experimental treatments, or major lifestyle changes can lower your FSH levels. Be sure to speak with your provider before you take any supplements or make major lifestyle adjustments.
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Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.