How are hormones like FSH and LH used in fertility treatments, and how do they assist in helping a woman conceive naturally?

Sourav PanNovember 12, 2024

Answered

Hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) play critical roles in fertility treatments, particularly in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). These hormones help stimulate ovarian function and increase the chances of conception. Here’s how they work and assist women in conceiving naturally:

Role of FSH and LH in Fertility Treatments

1. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH):
   • Function: FSH is essential for the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, which house the eggs. It stimulates the ovaries to produce multiple follicles, leading to the development of several eggs during a single menstrual cycle.
   • Use in Treatments: In fertility treatments, FSH is administered as an injectable medication to induce controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). This approach aims to produce more than one mature egg for retrieval, increasing the likelihood of successful fertilization and pregnancy. For instance, medications such as Gonal-F and Follistim contain FSH and are commonly used in IVF protocols to enhance egg production.
2. Luteinizing Hormone (LH):
   • Function: LH works alongside FSH to trigger ovulation—the release of a mature egg from the dominant follicle. It also supports the production of progesterone after ovulation, which is crucial for preparing the uterine lining for potential implantation.
   • Use in Treatments: In fertility treatments, LH may be included in hormone injections, especially when a more natural hormonal environment is desired. The combination of FSH and LH helps ensure that the eggs mature properly and are released at the right time for fertilization.

How They Assist in Conception

1. Induction of Ovulation:
   • For women who have irregular or absent ovulation, FSH is administered to stimulate follicle development. Once sufficient follicles are mature, an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which mimics LH, is given to trigger ovulation . This coordinated approach increases the chances of egg release and subsequent fertilization.
2. Increased Egg Availability:
   • By using FSH to stimulate multiple follicles, fertility treatments can provide several eggs for retrieval. This is particularly important in IVF, where multiple eggs increase the chances of successful fertilization outside the body . The more viable embryos available, the higher the likelihood of successful implantation during embryo transfer.
3. Monitoring and Timing:
   • Throughout the treatment process, healthcare providers monitor follicle growth through ultrasound and hormone level assessments. This allows for precise timing of ovulation induction and egg retrieval, optimizing conditions for conception