Male Fertility Assessment Based on Your Hormone Profile
Yes, your hormone profile suggests you can likely conceive naturally, as your FSH, LH, and total testosterone levels all fall within normal ranges that support spermatogenesis.
Interpretation of Your Hormone Values
Your hormone results indicate normal reproductive function:
FSH 9.9 IU/L: This falls within the normal male reference range (1.5-12.4 IU/L), indicating adequate pituitary stimulation of the testes for sperm production 1
LH 7.7 IU/L: This is within normal limits (1.7-8.6 IU/L), demonstrating appropriate pituitary-testicular axis function 1
Total Testosterone 40 nmol/L (approximately 1,153 ng/dL): This is well above the threshold for normal male fertility and significantly exceeds the minimum level of 450-600 ng/dL recommended for optimal reproductive function 1
SHBG 95 nmol/L: While on the higher end of normal (typically 10-57 nmol/L for adult males), this doesn't necessarily impair fertility when total testosterone is robust
What These Results Mean for Natural Conception
Your hormonal profile supports normal spermatogenesis (sperm production). The key indicators are:
Normal gonadotropins (FSH and LH): These hormones directly stimulate sperm production and testosterone synthesis in the testes 1
Adequate testosterone: Your level is more than double the minimum threshold needed for maintaining spermatogenesis and male reproductive function 1
Balanced hormone ratios: The FSH/LH ratio and testosterone levels suggest intact hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis function
Important Caveats and Next Steps
While hormones are reassuring, hormone levels alone don't guarantee fertility. You should:
Obtain a semen analysis: This is the definitive test for male fertility, assessing sperm count, motility, and morphology—parameters that hormones cannot predict with certainty 1
Consider partner evaluation: If conception attempts exceed 12 months (or 6 months if partner is over 35), both partners should undergo fertility assessment 2
Optimize lifestyle factors: Maintain healthy weight, regular physical activity, avoid excessive heat exposure to testes, limit alcohol, and avoid tobacco—all factors that can affect sperm quality independent of hormone levels 1
Clinical Context
The American Urological Association emphasizes that exogenous testosterone therapy should never be used in men trying to conceive, as it suppresses spermatogenesis 1. Your endogenous (naturally produced) testosterone at this level, however, is ideal for fertility. The guideline specifically notes that normal testosterone levels in the physiologic range of 450-600 ng/dL support reproductive function, and your level exceeds this 1.
Bottom line: Your hormone profile is compatible with natural conception, but a semen analysis remains essential to confirm actual sperm production and quality before drawing definitive conclusions about your fertility potential.