Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) in Serum or Plasma
This test measures the amount of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in reproductive health.
["FSH helps regulate egg and sperm production and is often checked in fertility evaluations."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 27942-2
- Short code
- FSH SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- FSH SerPl-mCnc
- 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 Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order an FSH test to assess reproductive function, diagnose infertility, evaluate hormonal imbalances, or monitor conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or ovarian reserve. It can also help determine if you’re approaching menopause.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but your doctor might advise timing the test around your menstrual cycle if evaluating female reproductive health. Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted based on your age, sex, and medical history. Higher or lower than expected levels may signal potential issues with hormone production or reproductive function.
Common Reasons for Testing
FSH testing is common in fertility evaluations, especially for women trying to conceive, men with low sperm counts, or those with suspected hormonal disorders.
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 is critical for fertility and hormone balance. Elevated levels may indicate early menopause, low ovarian reserve, or pituitary disorders, while low levels could suggest hypothyroidism or other pituitary issues.
Short name
FSH Level
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get an FSH test?
What are typical reference ranges for FSH?
Can lifestyle factors 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.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy