FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) with Pregnancy-Specific Reference Interpretation for Serum
This blood test measures your follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, which help regulate your reproductive hormones. The results may be interpreted differently if you are pregnant or considering pregnancy.
["FSH helps track reproductive health and may be adjusted for pregnancy status to guide medical decisions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57097-8
- Short code
- FSH 10M pre GnRH SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- FSH 10M pre GnRH SerPl-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- 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 Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)?
FSH is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland that plays a key role in both men and women. In women, it helps develop eggs in the ovaries and supports the menstrual cycle. In men, it stimulates sperm production. Your body naturally produces varying amounts of FSH depending on your reproductive phase.
Why Might This Test Be Ordered Differently During Pregnancy?
If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, your FSH levels may be evaluated differently. Pregnancy can alter hormone levels, and some reference ranges are adjusted to account for this. Your healthcare provider will use pregnancy-specific guidelines to interpret the results.
How Is This Test Performed?
A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to measure FSH levels. The test may be performed using immunoassay methods to detect hormone presence.
What Does the Test Result Mean?
Your results will be compared to pregnancy-adjusted reference ranges. High or low FSH levels may signal potential reproductive concerns, but interpretation depends on your overall health and medical history.
Reference range
Follicular: 3.5-12.5 mIU/mLN/A
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 with Pregnancy Adjustment
Frequently asked questions
Why do pregnancy-specific reference ranges matter for FSH?
What if my FSH level is higher than expected during pregnancy?
How soon after pregnancy can I retest for FSH?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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