Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) Test

Results

A follicle-stimulating hormone test measures the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in a blood sample. The test results depend on your age and stage of sexual development.

The phase of a woman's menstrual cycle can affect results, so it is important to know the first day of your last menstrual period at the time the test is performed.

Results are usually available within 24 hours.

Normal

Normal values vary widely among labs and methods used.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Menstruating women
Follicular or luteal phase:	5–20 international units per liter (IU/L)
Midcycle peak:	30–50 IU/L
Women past menopause:	50 IU/L or more
Men:	5–15 IU/L
Children before puberty:	6 IU/L or less

 

Many conditions can change FSH levels.Your health professional will discuss any significant abnormal results with you in relation to your symptoms and medical history.

High values

High FSH values in a woman may indicate:

• Loss of ovarian function before age 40 (ovarian failure).
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Menopause has occurred.

High FSH values in a man may indicate:

• Klinefelter syndrome.
• Testicles are absent or not functioning properly.
• Testicles have been damaged by a disease, such as alcohol dependence, or by treatments, such as X-rays or chemotherapy.

High values in children may mean that puberty is about to start.

Low values

Low FSH values may indicate:

• A woman is not producing eggs (prevents ovulation) or a man is not producing sperm.
• An area of the brain (the hypothalamus or pituitary gland) is not functioning properly.
• A tumor is present that interferes with the brain's ability to control FSH production.
• Stress.
• Starvation or being very underweight.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: June 6, 2007
Medical Review:	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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