Regulatory Role of FSH and LH
FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates the growth and development of ovarian follicles in people with ovaries and supports sperm production in people with testicles.
LH: luteinizing hormone triggers ovulation in people with ovaries and stimulates testosterone production in people with testicles.
Feedback Mechanism
Oestrogen and testosterone reduce LH and FSH production.
When oestrogen or testosterone levels are low, such as during hormone therapy or hormone suppression therapy, the negative feedback on FSH and LH is reduced and FSH and LH levels rise.
Compensation for Low Oestrogen or Testosterone
In response to low oestrogen or testosterone levels, the pituitary gland increases the secretion of FSH and LH to try and stimulate hormone production from the ovaries or testicles.
Higher FSH and LH levels are the signals to the ovaries or the testes to try and stimulate hormone production or compensate for low hormone levels.
Clinical Implications
In people on feminising hormone therapy or masculinising hormone therapy, high FSH and LH levels show that there is successful suppression of your own hormone production.
Both low oestrogen and low testosterone levels can lead to increases in FSH and LH secretion as the body responds to altered hormone levels. This is quite normal and to be expected and the levels of FSH and LH do not need to be monitored. It is the levels of oestrogen or testosterone that are important.
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