Introduction
For women interested in assisted reproductive techniques (ART), or interested in fertility, FSH levels will often be tested by the GP or GYN. FSH levels indicate the relative presence of Follicle Stimulating Hormone in the plasma of the blood. Usually the higher the levels, the less chance one has of conception, although there is an indirect correlation.
FSH levels are increased through a negative feed-back loop, in order to try and ensure good quality eggs are released from the ovarian follicules at ovulation. FSH is produced in the brain, in the anterior pituitary gland, and plays a role in growth and development generally, and specifically in follicular development and ovulation, as well. If the quantity or quality of the eggs being released from the ovaries is insufficient for conception, the brain will increase FSH levels to try and improve the chances of conception.
When a women has difficulty conceiving, and blood tests reveal elevated FSH levels, this indicates that the body has been (unsuccessfully) trying to stimulate egg quality and quantity. The testing is done at regular intervals to ensure clear results, as FSH levels can vary naturally during the menstrual cycle. In cases where FSH is elevated, there are less options available for traditional treatment, as one ART approach is to artificially increase FSH levels.
Acupuncture and FSH levels
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) take into account the results of blood tests, and elevated FSH levels. Acupuncture has anecdotally shown promise in harmonising FSH levels, although at the time of this post, I have not found any supporting studies. In my own experience, acupuncture treatment has significantly normalised FSH levels in patients seeking fertility treatment. TCM diagnosis offers a different view of the body based on natural metaphors. We can often correlate increased FSH levels with “Kidney Yin deficiency”. Yin is the counterpart of Yang, the two dynamic energies underlying all change in the universe according to TCM theory. Kidney Yin is the female, nourishing aspect of this dynamic that is found within the “Kidney Organ System”, and is often the focus of acupuncture and herbal treatment of infertility in women.