FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) in Serum, Quantitative
This blood test measures the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in your blood. FSH is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland that plays a key role in reproductive health, including egg and sperm development.
["FSH helps regulate fertility and hormone balance in both men and women."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25643-8
- Short code
- FSH 2h p 100 ug LRH IV SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- FSH 2h p 100 ug LRH IV 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order an FSH test to check for hormonal imbalances, evaluate fertility issues, diagnose conditions like early menopause, or monitor treatment for hormone-related disorders. It can also help assess conditions affecting the ovaries or testes.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the blood draw if your lab requires it. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to stay near the testing site for a short time.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm to draw blood. You may feel a slight pinch, but it should only take a few minutes. You can rest comfortably afterward.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are interpreted based on your age, sex, and overall health. High or low FSH levels can indicate different conditions, so your provider will discuss the meaning with you.
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 function, particularly in women experiencing irregular periods, menopause symptoms, or fertility challenges. In men, elevated FSH may signal low testosterone or testicular issues, while low levels could suggest pituitary problems or other hormonal disorders.
Short name
FSH Serum
Frequently asked questions
Why might my FSH test be done during my menstrual cycle?
What if my FSH level is outside of the expected range?
Can lifestyle factors, like diet or exercise, affect FSH levels?
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