In assessing infertility, which hormone level is most indicative of a problem?

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a key hormone involved in the regulation of reproductive processes and plays a critical role in assessing fertility issues. In both males and females, FSH is crucial for the maturation of gametes—spermatogenesis in men and folliculogenesis in women. Elevated levels of FSH can indicate compromised ovarian reserve or function in females, as the pituitary gland increases FSH production in response to lower ovarian activity. Similarly, in men, high FSH levels may suggest issues with testicular function, such as damage to the seminiferous tubules.

In infertility assessments, measuring FSH levels provides valuable insights into the overall reproductive health and can help pinpoint whether an individual's issues stem from ovarian failure or dysfunction. Understanding FSH levels allows clinicians to make informed decisions regarding further diagnostic tests and potential treatments related to infertility.