FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) – Serum Concentration
This test measures the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone in your blood. FSH plays a key role in regulating hormone production in both men and women.
["FSH helps balance reproductive health by signaling the ovaries (in women) and testes (in men) to produce other important hormones."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2285-5
- Short code
- FSH Smn-sCnc
- Synonyms
- FSH Smn-sCnc
- 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?
Doctors may order an FSH test to check for hormonal imbalances, evaluate fertility issues, diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or assess symptoms of menopause or early puberty. It can also help monitor hormone therapy or identify problems with the pituitary gland.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the blood draw if your doctor specifies it. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to stay near the testing site for a short time.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare provider will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm to draw blood. You may feel a brief pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are compared to a general reference range, but individual ranges can vary based on age, sex, and health status. High or low FSH levels may signal underlying conditions that need further medical evaluation.
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 Test
Frequently asked questions
What does an FSH test measure?
The frequency depends on your symptoms, medical history, and doctor’s recommendation. Some people may need it once, while others may require follow-up tests over time.
What if my FSH test results are abnormal?
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