Follicle Stimulating Hormone
FSH
Description
"Follicle-Stimulating Hormone" (FSH) test evaluates levels of FSH, a hormone essential for reproductive function. When menstrual cycles are irregular or fertility is in question, this test helps identify potential hormone imbalances. Elevated levels may signal diminished ovarian reserve or menopause, while low levels could indicate pituitary dysfunction. Doctors rely on FSH testing to guide diagnosis and support fertility treatments. Regular monitoring helps track reproductive planning, tailor hormone therapy, and manage long-term care for hormonal or endocrine-related concerns.
Test Category
Hormones
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Milli-International Units Per Milliliter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Hormone Health Group, Female Hormone Group, Male Health Group, Female Health Group, Basic Sex Hormone Group, Complete Sex Hormone Group
Test Group Description
Basic Sex Hormone Group: This collection of tests provides fundamental insights into sex hormone levels and reproductive health, offering essential information for hormonal balance assessment. Complete Sex Hormone Group: This comprehensive panel offers an extensive evaluation of sex hormone status and reproductive health, providing detailed insights into hormonal balance and function. Female Health Group: A comprehensive array of tests provides insights into various aspects of female health and wellness, aiding in the evaluation and management of overall health for females. Female Hormone Group: It assesses hormone levels specific to female health, providing insights into reproductive function and hormonal balance. Hormone Health Group: Its focus is on evaluating hormone levels and function, providing insights into hormonal balance and associated health conditions. Male Health Group: A comprehensive array of tests provides insights into various aspects of male health and wellness, aiding in the evaluation and management of overall health for men. Male Hormone Group: It focuses on assessing hormone levels specific to male health, providing insights into reproductive function and hormonal balance.
Optimal Range
For Men:
Conventional Unit: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Available
For Women:
Pre-menopause - Conventional Unit: Not Available | SI Unit: Not Available
Post-menopause - Conventional Unit: Not Available | SI Unit: Not Available
Normal Range
For Men:
Conventional Unit: 1.50–12.40 mIU/mL
SI Unit: Not Available
For Women:
Pre-menopause - Conventional Unit: 4.70–21.50 mIU/mL | SI Unit: Not Available
Post-menopause - Conventional Unit: 25.80–134.80 mIU/mL | SI Unit: Not Available
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Hormone therapy
Low ovarian reserve (Decreased number of viable ovarian follicles)
Menopause
Ovarian cancer
Ovarian insufficiency (Impaired ovarian function)
Turner's syndrome (Genetic disorder affecting females' reproductive system)
Decreased levels may indicate:
Glucocorticoids (Steroid hormones with anti-inflammatory effects)
Hypopituitarism (Deficiency of pituitary gland hormones)
Hypothalamic dysfunction (Malfunction of the hypothalamus)
Meningitis (Inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord)
Pregnancy
Key Reasons For Testing
Reproductive Health: Evaluates FSH levels to diagnose infertility, menstrual irregularities, and ovarian function disorders.
Ovarian Reserve: Assesses fertility potential and success likelihood with assisted reproductive technologies.
Menopause Diagnosis: Detects elevated FSH levels, signaling reduced ovarian function and aiding in symptom management.
Therapy Monitoring: Tracks response to PCOS and fertili...
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Garibaldi LR, Chemaitilly W. Disorders of pubertal development. In: Kliegman RM, St Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:578.
[2] Jeelani R, Bluth MH. Reproductive function and pregnancy. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 23rd ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2017:25.
[3] Lobo RA. Infertility: etiology, diagnostic evaluation, management, prognosis. In: Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:42.
[4] Simoni M, Gromoll J, Nieschlag E. The follicle-stimulating hormone receptor: biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, and pathophysiology. Endocr Rev. 1997;18(6):739-773.
[5] Burger HG. The endocrinology of the menopause. Maturitas. 1996;23(2):129-136.
[6] Welt CK. Primary ovarian insufficiency: a more accurate term for premature ovarian failure. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf).2008;68(4):499-509.
[7] Mendola A, Baumgartner R, Braunstein GD. Assessment of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal function. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 1992;35(3):563-576.
[8] Gharib SD, Wierman ME, Shupnik MA, Chin WW. Molecular biology of the pituitary gonadotropins. Endocr Rev.1990;11(1):177-199.
[9] Rebar RW, Erickson GF, Yen SS. Idiopathic premature ovarian failure: clinical and endocrine characteristics. Fertil Steril. 1982;37(1):35-41.
[10] Grinspoon S, Biller BM. Clinical review 62: laboratory assessment of adrenal insufficiency. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1994;79(4):923-931.
[11] Brann DW, Mahesh VB. Role of corticosteroids in female reproduction. FASEB J. 1991;5(12):2691-2698.
[12] Hall JE, Lavoie HB, Marsh EE, Martin KA. Decrease in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse frequency with aging in postmenopausal women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2000;85(5):1794-1800.
[13] Meduri G, Charnaux N, Loosfelt H, et al. Follicle-stimulating hormone receptors in oocytes? J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2002;87(5):2266-2276.