FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) in Serum/Plasma
This test measures your levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in reproductive health.
["FSH helps regulate egg and sperm production and can indicate reproductive function or potential fertility issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1470-4
- Short code
- FSH 1h p 100 ug LRH IV SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- FSH 1h p 100 ug LRH IV SerPl-mCnc
- 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 FSH Used For?
FSH levels are commonly checked in people experiencing symptoms of low or high reproductive hormone activity, such as irregular periods, infertility, or signs of perimenopause. It may also be ordered to evaluate conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hypogonadism.
When Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may recommend an FSH test if you’re experiencing fertility challenges, have irregular menstrual cycles, suspect early menopause, or are investigating hormonal imbalances affecting reproductive health.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure FSH levels. No special preparation is usually needed, but fasting may be advised depending on your provider’s instructions.
What Do Results Mean?
Results help determine whether your hormone levels are within expected ranges for your age and reproductive status. Abnormal results may signal conditions affecting fertility, hormone production, or aging processes.
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.
FSH levels can provide important clues about reproductive health, especially in diagnosing fertility issues, evaluating menopause progression, or identifying hormonal disorders like hypogonadism or hypergonadism. High or low FSH may indicate underlying conditions requiring further medical evaluation.
Short name
FSH Level
Frequently asked questions
Why might my FSH test be ordered?
What are typical reference ranges?
Do I need to prepare for this test?
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