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Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Serum/Plasma — Substance Concentration

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A blood test measuring follicle-stimulating hormone, a pituitary hormone that helps regulate ovarian and testicular function.

Quick summary

["FSH is commonly used to evaluate reproductive function and investigate infertility or symptoms related to menopause."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
2288-9
Short code
A-FSH SerPl-sCnc
Synonyms
A-FSH SerPl-sCnc
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
3.5
Ref high
12.5
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
83001
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

This test measures the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in your blood. FSH is produced by the pituitary gland and helps the ovaries develop follicles and the testes produce sperm.

Why might I need this test?

FSH may be ordered to investigate infertility, irregular or absent periods, early or late menopause, and other conditions that affect reproductive hormones. It may also be used alongside other hormones to assess ovarian or testicular function.

How is the test performed?

A healthcare professional draws a blood sample from a vein. The laboratory measures the FSH concentration in the serum or plasma portion of the sample.

How do I prepare for the test?

No special preparation is usually required unless your clinician gives different instructions. Tell the healthcare team about hormone medicines, pregnancy, and any recent changes in menstrual patterns because these can affect interpretation.

Reference range

Follicular: 3.5-12.5 mIU/mLN/A

Specimen: serum

For females: inform if menstrual cycle status. For certain tests, timing within menstrual cycle may matter.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

FSH

Frequently asked questions

Is a blood draw the only way to measure FSH?
The serum or plasma FSH test uses a blood sample. Some home fertility tests use urine, but those tests are not interchangeable with a laboratory FSH measurement.
Does FSH testing require fertility treatment to be paused?
Ask your clinician before pausing any hormone medication. Some fertility medicines and hormonal treatments can change FSH levels and make the result harder to interpret.
Can one FSH result diagnose infertility or menopause?
No. FSH is one part of a reproductive hormone evaluation and must be considered with symptoms, medical history, other hormone tests, and sometimes repeated measurements.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy