FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) with LH (Luteinizing Hormone) ratio
This test measures the ratio of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to luteinizing hormone (LH) in your blood. These hormones play key roles in reproductive health, particularly in regulating the menstrual cycle and hormone production in both men and women.
["Understanding your FSH:LH ratio helps assess reproductive function and potential fertility issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 34549-6
- Short code
- FSH + LH Pnl SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- FSH + LH Pnl SerPl-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1.5
- Ref high
- 9
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 83002
- 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 This Test Is Done
Doctors may order an FSH:LH ratio test to evaluate conditions affecting hormone balance, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menopause, or unexplained infertility. It can also help diagnose hormonal imbalances that may impact fertility or other reproductive health concerns.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have your blood drawn in a doctor’s office or a lab. If you’re taking certain medications that affect hormones, your provider may advise adjusting timing or stopping them temporarily.
What the Results Mean
The FSH:LH ratio can provide insight into your hormone levels and reproductive health. For example, higher ratios may suggest early menopause or certain hormonal disorders, while lower ratios might indicate issues like hypogonadism. Your results will be interpreted by your healthcare provider in the context of your medical history and symptoms.
Common Conditions This Test Helps Diagnose
This test is often used to diagnose or monitor conditions like PCOS, ovarian reserve issues, or hormonal imbalances that may affect fertility. It can also help assess menopause progression or evaluate hormonal deficiencies in both men and women.
Reference range
Follicular: 1.5-9.0 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: An FSH:LH ratio can help identify hormonal imbalances that may cause infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, or other reproductive health concerns. Elevated or low ratios may signal conditions like premature ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome, or hormonal deficiencies that require further evaluation or treatment.
Short name
FSH:LH Ratio
Frequently asked questions
How is this test performed?
What are the typical reference ranges?
Can this test be done at home?
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