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LH, FSH and fertility

What these signals can tell you before, during and after hormone exposure.

Work out where the signal starts

LH and FSH are pituitary signals. In confirmed testosterone deficiency, a clinician uses them to help distinguish a testicular cause from a pituitary or hypothalamic cause.

Context changes the interpretation

Exogenous testosterone can suppress LH, FSH and sperm production. A low LH on therapy has a different meaning from a low LH before treatment. If fertility matters now or soon, bring that up early. A clinician can discuss semen analysis and how medications such as hCG or enclomiphene affect interpretation.

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KEEP READING

BeginnerTotal T, free T and SHBGHow binding proteins and testing methods change what you see. AdvancedBloodwork after hormone exposureA clinician conversation guide for people with current or prior use.