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FSHB and Female Fertility: What Your rs11031006 Genotype Means

Infertility can be a complex, emotional journey for many women. One contributor to fertility and menstrual health is the FSHB gene. FSHB helps produce part of follicle-stimulating hormone or FSH, a key hormone for follicle growth, egg maturation, and regular menstrual cycles. Variations at the rs11031006 location can change the balance between luteinizing hormone or LH and FSH. That balance is central to ovulation and hormonal health. Below we explain what each genotype commonly means and provide practical, evidence-informed lifestyle, diet, and monitoring considerations to support reproductive health.

How FSH and LH Work Together

FSH encourages ovarian follicles to grow and mature. LH triggers ovulation when a dominant follicle is ready. A higher LH to FSH ratio can interfere with coordinated follicle development and ovulation, and is frequently observed in polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS. Carrying certain variants of FSHB may predispose toward a relatively higher LH to FSH ratio, which can increase risk for irregular cycles, poor egg maturation, and related fertility challenges.

Important note

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This article is educational and not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your healthcare provider to interpret genetic results and plan personalized evaluation or treatment.

Genetic Interpretations

Two effect alleles (AA) — what it means

If you have the AA genotype at rs11031006, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with an increased LH to FSH ratio. Women with AA often show elevated LH relative to FSH, a hormonal pattern commonly seen in PCOS that can disturb ovulation and menstrual regularity. The imbalance can promote higher androgen production and impair follicle development, which may affect egg maturation and fertility.

Consider regular follow up with your clinician if you experience irregular cycles, missed ovulation, heavy or very light bleeding, unexplained acne, or changes in body hair. Your provider may recommend blood hormone testing, ultrasound imaging, or targeted fertility evaluation.

One effect allele (AG) — what it means

If you have the AG genotype, you carry one copy of the effect allele. AG is associated with a likely increased LH to FSH ratio that may affect reproductive hormone balance. This pattern can interfere with the precise coordination of LH and FSH needed for consistent follicle growth and ovulation. Women with AG may face a higher risk for ovulatory irregularities and conditions like PCOS compared with people who do not carry the effect allele.

Monitoring cycle patterns and discussing symptoms with a healthcare provider helps guide any needed testing or interventions to support fertility and cycle regularity.

Zero effect alleles (GG) — what it means

If you have the GG genotype, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This result is associated with typical FSH and LH hormone balance. You do not carry the A allele linked to elevated LH or disrupted FSH signaling that can affect ovulation. Women with GG generally have a lower genetic predisposition to the hormonal imbalances often related to PCOS and ovulatory disorders. Keep in mind that fertility depends on many genetic and environmental influences beyond this single variant.

Practical Diet and Nutrition Tips

Nutrition plays a strong supporting role in hormone balance and fertility. Focus on a nutrient-dense pattern that stabilizes blood sugar, reduces inflammation, and supports ovarian function.

  • Prioritize whole foods: vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats.
  • Choose low to moderate glycemic carbohydrates to avoid large blood sugar and insulin spikes. Prefer oats, sweet potato, quinoa, and intact grains over refined breads and sugary snacks.
  • Include high-quality protein with each meal to help regulate appetite and blood sugar. Consider fish, poultry, legumes, eggs, and dairy or plant-based alternatives.
  • Aim for abundant fiber to support gut health and estrogen metabolism. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes are good sources.
  • Optimize healthy fats: omega-3 rich foods such as fatty fish, flaxseed, and walnuts can support inflammatory balance and hormone signaling.
  • Maintain a balanced intake of micronutrients important for reproductive health: iron, folate, vitamin D, B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, and selenium.

Supplement Considerations

Supplements may help in some contexts but should be used under guidance from a provider. Commonly discussed supplements for supporting cycle health include:

  • Vitamin D if deficient, which is common and linked to reproductive outcomes.
  • Inositol, especially myo-inositol, may improve ovulatory function and insulin sensitivity in people with PCOS-like features.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids for inflammation and overall metabolic health.
  • Folate or methylfolate for preconception health.
  • Magnesium and B vitamins to support stress resilience and metabolic function.

Lifestyle Strategies

  • Exercise: Aim for regular moderate activity such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or structured strength training. Both endurance and resistance training support insulin sensitivity and reproductive health. Avoid extreme or excessive exercise that can disrupt cycles.
  • Weight management: For people with overweight or obesity, modest weight loss of 5 to 10 percent of body weight can improve ovulation and fertility. If underweight, achieving a healthy weight may restore regular cycles.
  • Sleep: Prioritize 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night and maintain consistent sleep schedules to support hormone rhythms.
  • Stress management: Chronic stress affects the hypothalamus pituitary axis and can alter menstrual cycles. Use accessible strategies such as mindfulness, gentle yoga, breathing exercises, therapy, or regular social support.
  • Limit endocrine disruptors: Reduce exposure to certain plastics, BPA, phthalates, and some pesticides. Favor glass or stainless steel food containers, limit microwaving plastic, and wash produce to reduce residues.

When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

  • Irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods, or unpredictable bleeding
  • Difficulty conceiving after 6 to 12 months of trying if under age 35 or after 6 months if over 35
  • Symptoms suggestive of hormonal imbalance such as significant acne, hair thinning, or excess facial or body hair
  • Concerns about thyroid, metabolic health, or medication impacts on fertility

Your clinician may recommend blood tests for FSH, LH, estradiol, androgens, insulin and glucose, thyroid function, vitamin D, and pelvic ultrasound. They can integrate genetic results like rs11031006 with clinical data to personalize care.

Final Thoughts

Your rs11031006 genotype offers useful information about one factor that influences reproductive hormone balance. It is not a definitive predictor of fertility by itself. Lifestyle, environment, other genes, and medical conditions all interact to shape reproductive outcomes. Use this information to guide conversations with your healthcare team and to adopt evidence-informed lifestyle strategies that support cycle regularity and overall well being.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to diet, supplements, or medical care based on genetic results.