Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Serum
This blood test measures the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in your serum. FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in reproductive health, including egg and sperm development.
["FSH helps regulate fertility and hormone balance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25647-9
- Short code
- FSH sp4 p chal SerPl IRP2-aCnc
- Synonyms
- FSH sp4 p chal SerPl IRP2-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
- Method
- nd-irp
- 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
Your doctor may order this test to check the level of FSH, a hormone that helps control the menstrual cycle, egg development in the ovaries, and sperm production. It is often used to evaluate fertility concerns, irregular or absent periods, symptoms of menopause, or possible problems with the pituitary gland.
Your healthcare provider may order an FSH test to evaluate fertility issues, assess hormonal imbalances, diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or check for pituitary gland problems. It can also help monitor treatment for conditions affecting hormone levels.
Usually no special preparation is needed. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medicines, such as birth control pills or hormone therapy, because they can affect the results. For women, the test is often scheduled on specific days of the menstrual cycle. Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take before the blood draw.
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 as usual. Wear comfortable clothing for drawing blood.
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm, usually at the inside of the elbow. The site is cleaned, a band is placed around your upper arm, and a needle is inserted to collect the blood into a tube. The procedure takes only a few minutes, and you may feel a brief sting when the needle goes in. Afterward, pressure and a small bandage are applied to the site.
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into your arm to draw a blood sample. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
Normal FSH levels vary with age, sex, and, for women, the phase of the menstrual cycle. High levels may suggest menopause, diminished ovarian reserve, or certain conditions affecting the ovaries or testicles. Low levels may point to issues with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. Your doctor will interpret your results together with your symptoms, exam findings, and other hormone tests.
Results are interpreted based on your age, sex, and medical history. High or low FSH levels can indicate different health conditions, so your provider will discuss the meaning of your specific results with you.
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 Levels and Health
Short name
FSH Level
Frequently asked questions
In adults, FSH levels can vary by gender and reproductive stage. In women, elevated FSH may signal early menopause, ovarian dysfunction, or conditions like PCOS. In men, it can help diagnose hypogonadism or other hormonal disorders. Your provider will use these results alongside other tests and symptoms to guide diagnosis and treatment.
The frequency of this test depends entirely on your medical needs. Your healthcare provider will determine how often you need it based on your symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment plan.
There are no absolute normal ranges for FSH because they vary by age, sex, and reproductive status. Your provider will compare your results to your specific circumstances and provide personalized guidance.
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