Male Fertility and Hormones: What Your FSH, LH & Testosterone Levels Reveal
Discover how male fertility hormones—FSH, LH, and testosterone—affect sperm production and reproductive health. Learn how simple hormone tests can reveal underlying fertility issues and guide your path to parenthood.
Written by
Last updated on 6th Aug, 2025
If you and your partner are trying to conceive, or you are curious about your reproductive health, understanding your hormones is a vital first step. Important male hormones like testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are essential for producing healthy sperm and preserving general fertility. Sometimes a man may struggle to conceive even though he doesn't exhibit any overt symptoms of infertility. A straightforward male fertility hormone test can reveal important details about your body's reproductive system and aid in the early detection of any potential hormonal imbalances. These tests serve as the cornerstone of a male fertility work-up when paired with a sperm count test. This article will explain the effects of FSH, LH, and testosterone on male fertility, what testing entails, and how Apollo 24|7 provides dependable and easy-to-use test packages to help you on your path to fatherhood.
Understanding FSH, LH and Testosterone in Men
Hormones act like messengers in the body, coordinating different functions. For men, fertility depends on a finely tuned hormonal system that regulates sperm production, sexual function, and overall reproductive health.
Here’s how each of these three hormones plays its part:
1. FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
In men, FSH is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. Its main role is to stimulate the testes to produce sperm. It acts on specialised cells called Sertoli cells, which support the development and maturation of sperm.
- Low FSH levels may suggest problems with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.
- High FSH levels might mean the testicles are not producing sperm efficiently – often linked to primary testicular failure.
2. LH (Luteinising Hormone)
LH, also made by the pituitary gland, signals the testes to produce testosterone by acting on Leydig cells. Testosterone is critical not only for sperm production but also for maintaining libido, muscle mass, and overall energy.
- Low LH could indicate a hormonal signal problem from the brain.
- High LH combined with low testosterone may suggest testicular dysfunction.
3. Testosterone
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It supports sperm production, maintains sex drive, and influences traits like facial hair and muscle strength. Most of it is produced in the testes.
- Low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) can result in low sperm production, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and fatigue.
- High testosterone levels are less common naturally, but excessive levels from external sources (e.g., steroid use) can actually reduce fertility by lowering natural FSH and LH levels.
Together, FSH, LH, and testosterone form a hormonal triangle that regulates sperm health. Any imbalance can affect your fertility – even if other signs, such as libido or physical strength, seem normal.
Member priceWhy You Might Need a Male Fertility Hormone Test?
A male fertility hormone test is often recommended in the following cases:
- Trying to conceive without success: If pregnancy has not occurred after 6–12 months of regular, unprotected sex, a hormone test alongside a sperm count test can identify issues.
- Low sperm count or poor motility: If a semen analysis shows low sperm numbers or movement, hormone testing helps determine whether the cause is testicular or hormonal.
- Symptoms of hormonal imbalance: These may include low sex drive, fatigue, mood swings, or difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
- Undescended testes or testicular injury: Such conditions may affect hormone production and sperm function.
- History of anabolic steroid use: Steroids can suppress natural hormone levels and reduce fertility significantly.
- Early signs of ageing or male menopause: Falling testosterone in men under 40 may affect sperm health and general well-being.
Even if you are not planning for a child right away, understanding your hormone levels early can help you take proactive steps to preserve fertility and address any issues in time.
What the Male Fertility Hormone Test Involves
A male fertility hormone test usually measures levels of FSH, LH and testosterone in the blood. These markers offer a broad overview of how well the brain-testes hormonal axis is functioning.
1. When is the Test Done?
Unlike women, men do not have a menstrual cycle that affects hormone levels day-to-day. Therefore, the test can be done on any day, although early morning samples may be preferred as testosterone levels are typically highest at that time.
2. What to Expect During the Test?
- A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm – a simple process that usually takes only a few minutes.
- There is no need for anaesthesia or hospital stay.
- You can return to your daily activities immediately after the test.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend combining this with a semen analysis to assess your sperm count, motility, and morphology.
Preparing for the Test
To get the most accurate results:
- Tell your doctor about any medications, including hormone treatments, antidepressants, or supplements – these may affect hormone levels.
- Avoid heavy exercise or alcohol a day before the test, as these can influence testosterone levels.
- Fasting is not usually required unless combined with other tests, but confirm with your clinic.
Interpreting the Results
Your doctor will interpret the hormone levels in combination with your health history and, if applicable, sperm analysis. Here’s what the results might indicate:
If hormone levels are off-balance, further testing or treatment might be needed. This could include imaging (to check for tumours or testicular damage), lifestyle changes, or hormone therapy.
Combining Hormone Testing with Sperm Count Test
While hormone tests offer internal insights, a sperm count test directly assesses fertility potential by measuring:
- Sperm concentration (number of sperm per mL of semen)
- Motility (movement ability)
- Morphology (shape and structure)
Both tests complement each other and are often done together when investigating male infertility. If sperm count is low and hormone levels are abnormal, the root cause can usually be found in the brain-testes signalling pathway.
Book Male Fertility Tests with Apollo 24|7
Apollo 24|7 provides convenient access to fertility testing for men. Whether you want to test individual hormones or book a full fertility panel, you can do it from home or at a nearby Apollo clinic.
Here are some of the top male fertility test options available:
1. Testosterone Total Test
Measure the total amount of testosterone in your blood to evaluate hormonal balance, sexual health, and fertility. A key test if you’re experiencing low libido, fatigue, or fertility concerns.
2. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test
FSH plays a crucial role in sperm production. This test helps detect issues with testicular function or brain signalling and is often recommended for men with low sperm count or unexplained infertility.
3. FSH & LH Test
This combined test checks two key hormones – FSH and LH – to assess how well your brain and testes are communicating. Ideal for diagnosing hormonal causes of male infertility, especially when paired with a testosterone test.
Conclusion
Hormones such as FSH, LH, and testosterone are more than just numbers. They are vital indicators of your fertility health. A male fertility hormone test, especially when paired with a sperm count test, offers clear and practical insights into what’s going on inside your body. If you’re planning for a family or simply want to take charge of your reproductive wellness, early testing is a smart move. With Apollo 24|7, hormone testing is simple, secure, and accessible.
.webp)
