Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) in Serum/Plasma
This blood test measures the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in your blood. FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in reproductive health, including egg and sperm development.
["FSH helps assess fertility and hormone balance in both men and women."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25645-3
- Short code
- FSH 30M p 100 ug LRH IV SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- FSH 30M 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 evaluate reproductive function, diagnose conditions like infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or early menopause, or monitor hormone-related treatments. It can also help check for pituitary gland issues or other hormonal imbalances.
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 test if it’s part of a larger panel. Wear comfortable clothing for the blood draw, and let your provider know about any medications or health conditions that could affect results.
What Happens During the Test?
A small needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm or hand. Blood will be drawn into a tube, and you may feel a brief pinch. The process takes about 5 minutes, and you can resume normal activities afterward.
What the Results Mean
Results alone don’t provide a diagnosis—they’re interpreted alongside your medical history, symptoms, and other tests. High or low FSH levels may signal reproductive or hormonal issues, but further evaluation is needed to understand the cause.
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.
Clinical Significance: FSH plays a critical role in reproductive health. Elevated FSH in women may indicate declining ovarian reserve, early menopause, or conditions like PCOS. In men, it helps assess sperm production and testosterone function. Abnormal levels can guide treatment decisions for infertility or hormonal disorders.
Short name
FSH Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes FSH levels to be too high?
What causes FSH levels to be too low?
How often should I get 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