Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) - Serum, Pregnancy-Specific Quantification
This test measures the concentration of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) in your blood, specifically during pregnancy, to assess reproductive hormone levels.
["FSH helps regulate the menstrual cycle and fertility; this test may be used in pregnancy monitoring or reproductive health evaluations."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47856-0
- Short code
- FSH pre 100 ug LRH IV SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- FSH pre 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you are pregnant or experiencing symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, such as irregular menstrual cycles, fertility issues, or suspected endocrine disorders. It may also be part of routine prenatal care to monitor hormone levels during pregnancy.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed, but you may be asked to fast for a few hours before the blood draw. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to stay near the testing facility for about 15 minutes while you recover from the needle.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm to collect a blood sample. You may feel a brief pinch, but the procedure usually takes less than a minute. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your medical history, symptoms, and other test results. Elevated or low FSH levels during pregnancy could indicate potential health considerations, such as hormonal imbalances or conditions affecting fetal development.
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 plays a critical role in reproductive health, particularly during pregnancy. Abnormal levels may signal underlying conditions that require further evaluation, such as thyroid dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or other endocrine disorders. During pregnancy, FSH monitoring helps ensure proper hormonal support for both maternal and fetal health.
Short name
FSH (Serum, Pregnancy-Specific)
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal FSH level during pregnancy mean?
How often will I need this test?
Can lifestyle changes 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