FSHB rs11031003: Understanding Reproductive Genetic Variation
The rs11031003 variant is a common genetic change located within the FSHB gene, which provides instructions for making the beta subunit of follicle-stimulating hormone. This variant is statistically associated with variations in circulating hormone levels and specific reproductive traits, such as menstrual cycle length.
What each genotype means
Typical FSH levels
This genotype represents the more common version of the FSHB regulatory region. Research indicates that individuals with this genotype typically exhibit standard circulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels compared to those carrying the T allele.
Carried by approximately 72% of individuals of European ancestry, based on a minor allele frequency of roughly 0.15.
Modulated FSH levels
This genotype includes one copy of the T allele, which has been associated with lower circulating FSH levels and potentially longer menstrual cycle lengths. These associations reflect population-level trends and do not indicate a clinical condition or hormone deficiency.
Carried by approximately 26% of individuals of European ancestry.
Lower circulating FSH
This genotype is associated with a genetic tendency toward lower circulating FSH levels and a statistically significant association with longer menstrual cycle duration. If you have concerns regarding your reproductive health or cycle characteristics, please discuss these findings with your clinician or a reproductive endocrinologist.
Carried by approximately 2% of individuals of European ancestry.
What is rs11031003?
The rs11031003 variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) situated within the FSHB gene locus on chromosome 11. In genetics, a SNP represents a variation at a single position in the DNA sequence among individuals. This specific variant is categorized as a regulatory SNP, meaning it is located in a region of the genome that helps control how much of a protein is produced, rather than changing the structure of the protein itself. Because it sits in a regulatory area, it can influence the expression levels of the FSHB gene, which is essential for the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Researchers study this variant to understand how subtle differences in our genetic code contribute to the natural diversity observed in human reproductive physiology and hormonal regulation.
The Role of the FSHB Gene
The FSHB gene encodes the beta subunit of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH is a vital hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a central role in human reproduction. In women, it is essential for the maturation of ovarian follicles and the regulation of the menstrual cycle. In men, it is critical for the process of spermatogenesis, or the production of sperm. Because FSHB is the rate-limiting component of the FSH hormone, the efficiency with which this gene is transcribed and translated directly impacts the total amount of active FSH circulating in the body. Variations in the regulatory regions of this gene, such as rs11031003, are of significant interest to scientists because they may explain why individuals have different baseline levels of these hormones, which in turn can influence various reproductive milestones and physiological characteristics.
Research Associations and Evidence
Scientific research, including data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), has linked the FSHB locus to several reproductive traits. These include the timing of natural menopause, the length of the menstrual cycle, and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The evidence for these associations is generally considered moderate, as reproductive traits are complex and influenced by many genes, environmental factors, and lifestyle variables. While some studies have identified correlations between specific FSHB variants and serum FSH levels, it is important to note that these findings represent statistical associations across large populations rather than direct cause-and-effect relationships for any single individual. Because reproductive health is multifactorial, the presence of a specific genotype at rs11031003 does not determine a clinical outcome, but rather contributes to the broad spectrum of human biological variation.
Population Frequency
The rs11031003 variant is relatively common in human populations. According to data from the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD), the minor allele frequency (MAF) in European populations is approximately 0.15. This means that a significant portion of the population carries at least one copy of the variant allele. Frequency can vary across different ancestral groups, which is a common observation in human genetics. Understanding these frequencies helps researchers determine whether a variant is a rare mutation or a common polymorphism that has been maintained in the population over time. Because it is a common variant, it is considered a normal part of human genetic diversity rather than a rare disease-causing mutation.
Interpreting Your Genetic Information
If you have received information about your genotype for rs11031003, it is important to view it within the context of your overall health. This variant is associated with normal physiological variation, not with a specific medical diagnosis. Genetic markers like this one provide a snapshot of your biological predispositions, but they do not account for the complex interplay of diet, stress, environment, and other genetic factors that shape your reproductive health. You cannot use this information to predict specific fertility outcomes or to diagnose hormonal conditions. If you have concerns about your reproductive health, menstrual cycle, or hormone levels, the most appropriate step is to consult with a qualified healthcare provider or a reproductive endocrinologist. They can interpret your clinical symptoms and history, which are far more informative than a single genetic variant.
How common is this variant?
The rs11031003 variant is common, with a minor allele frequency of approximately 0.15 in European populations according to gnomAD data.
Frequently asked questions
Does rs11031003 cause infertility?
No, rs11031003 is a common genetic variant associated with normal variation in hormone levels and reproductive traits. It is not a diagnostic marker for infertility.
Can I use this SNP to predict my menopause age?
While the FSHB locus is associated with the timing of natural menopause in large population studies, this SNP alone cannot accurately predict when an individual will reach menopause.
Should I change my lifestyle based on this genotype?
No. Genetic variants like rs11031003 represent normal human diversity. Lifestyle decisions should be based on your overall health goals and guidance from your doctor.
Is this variant related to PCOS?
Some research has linked the FSHB gene region to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, PCOS is a complex condition, and this variant is only one of many factors that may be involved.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 9/23/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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Promoter-adjacent variant linked to FSHB expression, influencing basal follicle-stimulating hormone levels, menstrual cycle duration, and twinning propensity.
Pathogenic loss-of-function variant causing isolated follicle-stimulating hormone deficiency leading to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Functional promoter variant in FSHB influencing serum FSH concentrations and reproductive lifespan.
Variant in the promoter region of FSHB associated with circulating follicle-stimulating hormone levels, age at menarche, and reproductive lifespan.
Located in the promoter of FSHB (c.-211G>T), this variant downregulates follicle-stimulating hormone transcription and is strongly associated with male infertility traits (oligozoospermia) and altered female reproductive lifespan.
Variant in the promoter region of FSHB associated with altered follicle-stimulating hormone levels, timing of menarche, and female reproductive lifespan.