FSH: what the research shows
An approved fertility hormone that helps eggs develop during IVF.
Also known as Follicle-stimulating hormone, follitropin
At a glance
Approved as a prescription fertility medicine (for example Gonal-f) to help the ovaries develop eggs.
What is FSH?
FSH is a hormone made by the pituitary gland. The medicine version (follitropin) is made in the lab and is identical, or very close, to the natural hormone.
How does FSH work?
It tells the ovaries to grow follicles, the small sacs where eggs mature. In men it helps sperm production.
What does the research show?
- It is a standard part of ovarian stimulation in IVF. A 2025 review found that lower-cost copies (biosimilars) of follitropin alfa performed similarly to the original.
Known risks and side effects
- It can over-stimulate the ovaries (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) and raises the chance of twins or more, so dosing is closely monitored.
Is FSH approved?
A medicines regulator, such as the FDA in the US or the EMA in Europe, has approved it for specific uses.
Approved as a prescription fertility medicine (for example Gonal-f) to help the ovaries develop eggs.
From the community
Watch: FSH and related science
We have not selected a reliable dedicated FSH video. These lessons cover the relevant biology and research methods; the compound-specific evidence is in the sources below.
khanacademymedicine
The hypothalamus and pituitary gland
How the hypothalamus and pituitary coordinate hormone release, including growth and reproductive hormones.
Khan Academy · endocrine physiology
Related biology
Background on hypothalamus and pituitary signalling for understanding FSH. It does not demonstrate benefits of this compound or formulation.
National Institute of Mental Health
Different types of clinical research
An introduction to the different questions and designs used in studies involving people.
NIMH · US National Institutes of Health
Research skills
Helps you judge the study design or uncertainty in FSH research; it is not a trial of the compound.
Sources and references
- Biosimilars versus the originator of follitropin alfa for ovarian stimulation in ART: a systematic review and meta-analysisKiose et al. · Human Reproduction · 2025
VETUD Learn explains published research in plain language. It is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or changing any treatment.
In the research shop
Check the catalog for related laboratory research materials. These products are separate from the approved medicines and clinical trial formulations discussed here.
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