FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) with Immunoassay Method, Serum/Plasma
This test measures the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in your blood. FSH plays a key role in hormone regulation, particularly in reproductive health for both men and women.
["FSH helps guide fertility and hormone balance, often checked if you're experiencing irregular periods, infertility, or symptoms of hormonal changes."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 70255-5
- Short code
- FSH IgA Ser IA-aCnc
- Synonyms
- FSH IgA Ser IA-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
- Method
- ia
- 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 doctor may order an FSH test to evaluate reproductive function, diagnose hormonal imbalances, or assess conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), early menopause, or low sperm production in men.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the draw if your lab requires it. Wear a comfortable shirt for easy access to your arm.
How the Test Works
A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using an immunoassay method to detect FSH levels.
What the Results Mean
Results help determine whether hormone levels are too high or too low, which can influence fertility, menstrual cycles, or other reproductive health concerns. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your symptoms 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 Level
Frequently asked questions
In women, elevated FSH often signals early menopause or ovarian dysfunction, while low levels may indicate hormonal deficiencies or conditions like hypothyroidism. In men, abnormal FSH can signal low testosterone or sperm production issues.
An FSH test helps assess ovarian reserve in women and sperm production in men. High FSH may indicate reduced egg quality or early menopause, while low FSH could suggest hormonal imbalances affecting fertility.
Your doctor will recommend timing based on symptoms or medical needs—such as before fertility treatments, during menopause evaluation, or if you have unexplained infertility.
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