At-home Men's Fertility Test - Fertility Resource Hub
How to read your results
Here is an example of what your results will appear in your portal after the tests have been completed.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in Men
Luteinizing hormone (LH) plays a crucial role in male reproductive health by regulating the production of testosterone, which is essential for sperm production and male sexual development. Below, we explain what LH does, how it affects fertility, and what your LH test results might mean.
What is LH?
LH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, a small structure in your brain. In men, LH is responsible for stimulating the testes to produce testosterone, a key hormone needed for sperm production and the development of secondary sexual characteristics like muscle mass, body hair, and a deeper voice.
LH Function in Men
- Testosterone Production: LH signals the testes to produce testosterone, which is vital for normal sperm production and overall male reproductive function.
- Stable Levels After Puberty: Unlike in women, where LH levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, men’s LH levels remain relatively stable after puberty, ensuring consistent testosterone production.
What are Normal LH Levels in Men?
- Normal LH levels for men typically range from 1.24-8.62 mIU/mL
What Do Abnormal LH Levels Mean?
- High LH Levels: If your LH levels are high, this may indicate that your testes are not producing enough testosterone. In response, the pituitary gland produces more LH to try to stimulate the testes. Symptoms can include:
- Fatigue
- Reduced libido
- Infertility
Source: Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic
- Low LH Levels: Low LH levels suggest that the pituitary gland is not producing enough LH to trigger testosterone production. This could be due to a pituitary disorder or hypothalamic issues. Symptoms can include:
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Mood changes
- Infertility
Source: Endocrine Society, Mayo Clinic
How Do LH Levels Impact Fertility?
In men, healthy LH levels are crucial for maintaining normal testosterone levels, which are essential for sperm production. If your LH levels are too low or too high, it can impact your ability to produce sperm and affect your fertility. Addressing LH imbalances through medical evaluation and treatment may help improve fertility outcomes.
What to do if you have abnormal results
If your test results show abnormal LH levels, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend treatments or lifestyle changes to improve your reproductive health.
For more information, you can refer to resources like the Cleveland Clinic for guidance on hormonal health and fertility.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) in Men
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a critical hormone in male reproductive health, playing a key role in sperm production and overall fertility. In this guide, we’ll explore the function of FSH, how it impacts fertility, and what your FSH test results may indicate.
What is FSH?
FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain. In men, FSH is essential for regulating the function of the testes, particularly for the production of sperm (spermatogenesis). Without adequate levels of FSH, sperm production may be impaired, affecting fertility.
FSH Function in Men
- Sperm Production: FSH stimulates the Sertoli cells in the testes, which are responsible for nurturing developing sperm cells. Healthy FSH levels are necessary for normal sperm production and maturation.
- Testicular Function: Alongside luteinizing hormone (LH), FSH helps regulate testicular function and supports overall reproductive health.
What are Normal FSH Levels in Men?
Normal FSH levels for men typically range from 1.27 - 19.26 mIU/mL. These levels are generally stable after puberty.
What Do Abnormal FSH Levels Mean?
- High FSH Levels: Elevated FSH levels often indicate that the testes are not functioning properly, which may be due to testicular failure or damage. This can lead to infertility and other symptoms such as:
- Low sperm count
- Decreased libido
- Fatigue
- Testicular abnormalities
Source: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), American Urological Association
- Low FSH Levels: Low FSH levels may suggest a pituitary or hypothalamic disorder, where the brain is not producing enough FSH to stimulate the testes. This can lead to symptoms such as:
- Reduced sperm production
- Infertility
- Smaller testicular size
- Low libido
Source: Hormone Health Network, National Library of Medicine
How Do FSH Levels Impact Fertility?
FSH is crucial for the production of healthy, viable sperm. Abnormal FSH levels—whether too high or too low—can significantly affect sperm production and, therefore, fertility. Addressing imbalances in FSH through medical evaluation, hormone therapies, or other treatments may improve fertility outcomes.
What to do if you have abnormal results?
If your FSH levels are abnormal, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause. They may recommend further testing or treatments to help restore balance and support your reproductive health. For more information, resources such as the National Library of Medicine or the American Urological Association can provide guidance.
Testosterone in Men
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, playing a vital role in male reproductive health and overall well-being. In this guide, we’ll cover what testosterone does, how it affects fertility, and what your testosterone levels might indicate.
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone primarily produced in the testes, although small amounts are produced by the adrenal glands. It’s responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, such as muscle mass, deep voice, and body hair. In addition, testosterone regulates sex drive (libido), bone density, and red blood cell production.
Testosterone Function in Men
- Sperm Production: Testosterone is critical for spermatogenesis, the process of producing sperm. Adequate testosterone levels are necessary for producing healthy, viable sperm.
- Sexual Health and Libido: Testosterone influences sexual desire and erectile function. Low levels can lead to decreased libido and sexual dysfunction.
- Muscle Mass and Strength: Testosterone supports muscle growth and physical strength, contributing to overall vitality and energy levels.
What are Normal Testosterone Levels in Men?
Normal testosterone levels in adult men typically range from 175- 781 ng/d. These levels can vary based on factors such as age, lifestyle, and overall health.
What Do Abnormal Testosterone Levels Mean?
- High Testosterone Levels: Elevated testosterone is less common but can occur due to anabolic steroid use or certain medical conditions, such as adrenal gland disorders. Symptoms of high testosterone levels may include:
- Aggressive behavior or mood swings
- Excessive body hair (hirsutism)
- Acne
- Infertility due to reduced sperm production
Source: Mayo Clinic, American Urological Association
- Low Testosterone Levels: Low testosterone (hypogonadism) is more common and can be caused by aging, medical conditions, or pituitary gland dysfunction. Symptoms may include:
- Low libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Decreased muscle mass and bone density
- Depression or mood changes
- Infertility
Source: Cleveland Clinic, Endocrine Society
How Do Testosterone Levels Impact Fertility?
Testosterone plays a critical role in the production of sperm. Abnormally low or high levels can negatively impact sperm production, leading to fertility issues. Low testosterone, in particular, can reduce sperm count and quality. Addressing testosterone imbalances through medical evaluation, hormone therapy, or lifestyle changes may improve fertility outcomes.
What to do if you have abnormal results?
If your testosterone levels are outside the normal range, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider. They may suggest further testing or recommend treatments to balance your testosterone levels. For more information, resources like the American Urological Association or the Endocrine Society can provide further guidance.