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Lab test
What is an FSH test, and what are normal FSH levels?
An FSH test measures follicle-stimulating hormone, a pituitary hormone that drives egg development in the ovaries and sperm production in the testicles. It is ordered for fertility, irregular periods and menopause questions. ARUP Laboratories lists 3.5 to 12.5 IU/L in the follicular phase, 25.8 to 134.8 after menopause, and 1.5 to 12.4 for adult men.
What does the FSH test measure?
FSH is made by the pituitary gland. In women who menstruate it helps control the menstrual cycle and triggers egg growth in the ovaries; in men it supports sperm production. MedlinePlus
Why is the FSH test ordered?
- In women, to help find the cause of infertility or irregular or stopped periods, and to help find out whether perimenopause or menopause has begun. MedlinePlus
- In men, to help find the cause of infertility or a low sperm count. MedlinePlus
What are typical FSH ranges?
ARUP Laboratories publishes adult FSH intervals by sex, menstrual cycle phase and menopause status. ARUP Laboratories
Reference ranges differ between laboratories and testing methods, and many also differ by age, sex, pregnancy or the phase of the menstrual cycle. The range printed on your own report is the one that applies to your result, and a clinician interprets it alongside your history.
| Group | Reference interval |
|---|---|
| Women, follicular phase | 3.5 to 12.5 IU/L |
| Women, mid-cycle | 4.7 to 21.5 IU/L |
| Women, luteal phase | 1.7 to 7.7 IU/L |
| Women, postmenopausal | 25.8 to 134.8 IU/L |
| Men | 1.5 to 12.4 IU/L |
What can affect FSH results?
- FSH changes through the month, so women who have periods may need testing on a specific day of the menstrual cycle. MedlinePlus
- Results are interpreted with LH and other hormone tests. MedlinePlus
When should you talk to a clinician about a FSH result?
- At-home urine FSH kits can only detect higher than normal FSH and should not be used to check whether you can become pregnant; discuss symptoms and results with your provider. MedlinePlus
DiscoverMedica explains what a test measures and what named sources publish. It does not interpret individual results; the clinician who ordered your test, or one you choose, does.
Where can you get a FSH test?
A clinician can order it as part of routine or follow-up care. Some services also let you order lab tests yourself; check that a service’s panel includes this marker, which laboratory runs it, and who reviews the result with you.
- Function HealthAnnual membership for broad lab panels, drawn at Quest sites or at home.
- Quest HealthOrder individual lab tests from Quest Diagnostics online, without a doctor’s visit.
FSH Test: questions, answered
What is a normal FSH level?
ARUP Laboratories lists, for adults, 3.5 to 12.5 IU/L in the follicular phase, 4.7 to 21.5 at mid-cycle, 1.7 to 7.7 in the luteal phase, 25.8 to 134.8 after menopause, and 1.5 to 12.4 IU/L for men. Ranges vary by laboratory, so use the one on your report.
Can an FSH test confirm menopause?
It can help. MedlinePlus says FSH testing may help find out whether perimenopause or menopause has begun, but a clinician considers age, symptoms, period history and other hormones. Home urine kits can show high FSH but cannot tell whether you can become pregnant.
When in the menstrual cycle is FSH tested?
FSH changes through the month, so MedlinePlus notes women who have periods may need testing on a specific day of the menstrual cycle. The clinician ordering it will tell you which day. The result is then compared with the range for that phase, such as follicular, mid-cycle or luteal.
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Levels Test
- ARUP Laboratories: Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Serum (test 0070055)
Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Every source above was checked on or before that date. Educational information only, not medical advice; it does not replace a conversation with a licensed clinician. DiscoverMedica does not employ clinicians.
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