Role of Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Testosterone in abnormal sperm parameters

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone are essential for the spermatogenesis. FSH acts on FSH receptor (FSHR) present in Sertoli cells to support spermatogenesis. Luteinizing hormone (LH) acts on Leydig cells which stimulates testosterone production which completes the spermatogenesis. Their levels are regulated by a negative feedback loop to balance the hormone production. The balanced levels of these hormones are essential for maintaining the sperm parameters. In case of excessive or deficiency of FSH and testosterone levels, sperm quantity and quality got affected and lead to male infertility. In male factor infertility with low to normal FSH and testosterone levels, FSH supplements with or without LH or Human chorionic gonadotropins (HCG) supplements can maintain spermatogenesis even in presence of low levels of testosterone. Only testosterone replacement therapy can suppress of FSH and LH that can lead to decrease in semen parameters and male infertility. Also, high level of testosterone can damage the sperm and can lead to male infertility. In this article, role of FSH and testosterone in abnormal semen parameters had been explained and type of hormonal therapy which can be beneficial in these cases.