FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) in Serum/Plasma, Confirmatory Test
This test measures your levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in your blood to help confirm hormone levels, often used in evaluating fertility, hormone imbalances, or menopause.
["FSH levels help assess reproductive health and hormone function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 55610-0
- Short code
- FSH sp2 p chal SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- FSH sp2 p chal 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions like low or high FSH levels, which can affect fertility, ovulation, or other hormonal processes. It may also be used to monitor conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian insufficiency, or to confirm results from initial screening tests.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have fasting instructions depending on your provider’s protocol, but generally, you can eat and drink normally unless advised otherwise. Bring any medications you’re currently taking to your appointment.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually takes only a few minutes. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis.
What Are the Possible Results?
Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your age, sex, medical history, and symptoms. High or low FSH levels may indicate hormonal imbalances or other health concerns that need further 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.
FSH plays a key role in regulating reproductive function in both men and women. In women, high FSH levels may signal early menopause, ovarian failure, or other endocrine disorders. In men, elevated FSH can sometimes indicate low testosterone or other hormonal issues. Low FSH may suggest conditions like hypopituitarism or certain genetic disorders. Confirmatory testing helps clarify initial screening results for more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Short name
FSH Confirmation
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal FSH level mean?
How often should I get 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