According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the follicle stimulating hormone is essential to the healthy growth and development of males and females during puberty. It triggers the growth of follicles in the ovarian tubes in women and is part of the process that allows young men to begin producing sperm.
Follicle stimulating hormone is made and released by the pituitary gland and is part of the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis. Follicle stimulating hormone is distributed throughout the body via the blood. In addition to controlling some aspects of puberty, Marla Ahlgrimm explains that this hormone has ebbs and tides throughout a woman’s reproductive cycle. As levels fall to the end of the menstrual cycle, the follicle stimulating hormone and others trigger additional production in the pituitary gland.
This hormone stimulates the ovaries each month and plays a vital function in the ability to reproduce. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that inadequate follicle stimulating hormone production can delay puberty and result in ovarian failure. When the follicles are not stimulated, eggs are not released. People with too little follicle stimulating hormone can develop a condition known as hypogonadotropic-hypogonadism.
Marla Ahlgrimm explains that poor pituitary function, including a deficit of follicle stimulating hormone, is just one of the many causes for infertility. Lab tests can confirm the disorder but treatments may not be effective. Men with low levels of follicle stimulating may also suffer with infertility, but may father a child if they do not have a complete production stoppage.
