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FSHB rs10835638 and Testosterone: What Your Genotype Means for Hormone and Reproductive Health

Testosterone plays a central role in energy, mood, muscle mass, bone health, libido, and fertility. The FSHB gene helps control production of follicle stimulating hormone or FSH. FSH works together with other hormones to support testicular function and testosterone synthesis in men and to support follicle development in women. Variations at the rs10835638 location in the FSHB gene can change FSH levels and so influence testosterone production and reproductive outcomes.

How changes in FSHB can affect hormone and reproductive health

  • Lower FSH can reduce the signaling that supports sperm maturation and testicular testosterone production in men, and affect follicle growth and menstrual regularity in women.
  • Smaller changes in FSH may have a modest effect on free testosterone levels and fertility risk. Larger changes can sometimes contribute to subfertility.
  • Genetics is one piece of the picture. Lifestyle, body composition, sleep, stress, and environmental exposures also strongly affect hormone levels and reproductive outcomes.

Practical steps to support hormone and fertility health

Regardless of genotype, the following measures promote optimal reproductive and hormonal function. These are general wellness strategies that reduce inflammation, support metabolic health, and create a favorable environment for hormone production.

Diet

  • Follow a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory eating pattern rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
  • Include sources of healthy fats that support hormone synthesis such as fatty fish, olive oil, avocado, and nuts. Avoid very low fat diets if trying to optimize testosterone.
  • Prioritize zinc rich foods like oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, and legumes. Zinc plays a role in testosterone synthesis and sperm health.
  • Ensure adequate vitamin D from safe sun exposure and dietary sources. Low vitamin D levels are linked to lower testosterone in some people.
  • Limit added sugar, refined carbohydrates, and processed foods that promote inflammation and insulin resistance.
  • Moderate alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol can lower testosterone and impair fertility.

Supplements to consider

  • Vitamin D3 if levels are low. Check blood levels before starting and work with your healthcare provider on dosing.
  • Zinc when dietary intake is insufficient or if a deficiency is identified. Avoid long term high dose zinc without medical supervision.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids to reduce systemic inflammation and support metabolic health.
  • Consider a comprehensive prenatal style supplement for people actively trying to conceive that contains folate, iodine, and other reproductive nutrients. Follow guidance from your provider.

Lifestyle

  • Exercise regularly including both resistance training and cardiovascular activity. Strength training supports testosterone and muscle mass.
  • Maintain a healthy body weight. Excess body fat, especially abdominal fat, can lower testosterone and disrupt reproductive hormones.
  • Prioritize consistent high quality sleep. Aim for 7 to 9 hours per night and maintain regular sleep timing.
  • Manage stress with evidence based strategies such as mindfulness, cognitive behavioral approaches, social support, and regular physical activity.
  • Avoid tobacco and limit recreational drug use. Reduce exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals found in some plastics, personal care products, and pesticides.

Monitoring and medical evaluation

  • If you have fertility goals, trouble conceiving, low libido, unexplained fatigue, or other symptoms of low testosterone, consider a reproductive and hormonal evaluation with a healthcare provider.
  • Key labs to discuss may include total and free testosterone, FSH, luteinizing hormone or LH, estradiol, prolactin, and serum vitamin D. Semen analysis may be appropriate for male fertility assessment.
  • Interpretation of labs is context specific. Hormone levels vary by age, sex, time of day, medications, and health status.
  • Your provider can help distinguish genetic contributions from reversible lifestyle causes and guide treatment if needed.

Genetic interpretation: rs10835638 (FSHB) — what your genotype means

TT — Two effect alleles (lowest FSH production)

Carrying two T alleles at rs10835638 is associated with the lowest FSH production. Lower FSH can reduce the stimulatory signals supporting testicular testosterone production and sperm maturation in men and can affect follicle development and menstrual function in women. This genotype may contribute to lower free testosterone and a higher risk of subfertility in some individuals.

Practical guidance

  • Be proactive with lifestyle support: nutrient dense anti-inflammatory diet, regular resistance training, consistent sleep, and stress management.
  • Check key labs if you have symptoms or fertility concerns: FSH, LH, total and free testosterone, and semen analysis if indicated.
  • Work with your healthcare provider to interpret labs and discuss targeted interventions if needed.
GT — One effect allele (moderately reduced FSH)

Having one T allele typically causes a moderate reduction in FSH compared with the non-effect genotype. This can lead to mildly lower free testosterone in some people and a modest impact on fertility risk. For most people with this genotype, effects are subtle and lifestyle factors play a larger role.

Practical guidance

  • Follow the same foundational strategies: healthy diet, strength training, good sleep, and avoidance of toxins and excessive alcohol.
  • Consider hormone testing if you notice symptoms such as low libido, reduced energy, difficulty gaining muscle, or if you face fertility challenges.
  • Small changes in diet, weight, and exercise often improve hormone balance and fertility potential.
GG — Zero effect alleles (typical FSH production)

The GG genotype is associated with typical FSH levels and represents the average population pattern. With this genotype, the FSH contribution to testosterone synthesis and reproductive function is likely to be within expected ranges.

Practical guidance

  • Maintain general wellness practices to support ongoing reproductive and hormone health.
  • If you experience symptoms or have fertility concerns, the same hormone and fertility testing framework applies.

Final notes and important disclaimer

PlexusDx provides education about genetic predispositions only. This information is not medical advice. Genetic results describe tendencies and risk factors not certainties. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medical decisions, starting supplements, or changing treatments. Your provider can interpret results in the context of your medical history, symptoms, and current laboratory testing.