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FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

FSH: the role of follicle-stimulating hormone

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) drives egg maturation and is a key indicator of ovarian reserve and menopausal status. Rising levels may signal your body is working harder to stimulate ovulation. Your healthcare provider can help you understand what FSH means for your fertility and cycle.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

Reference ranges by group, in U/L
Sex	Cycle phase	Menopausal status	Reference range (U/L)	Relative scale
Female	· Follicular	· —	3,5–12,5 U/L	3,5 12,5
Female	· Ovulatory	· —	4,7–21,5 U/L	4,7 21,5
Female	· Luteal	· —	1,7–7,7 U/L	1,7 7,7
Female	· —	· Postmenopausal	25,8–134,8 U/L	25,8 134,8

1,7 134,8 U/L

Bijsluiterwaarde: 5e-95e percentiel per subgroep (n = 319 mannen, mediaan 4,6; 376 folliculair, mediaan 6,9; 56 ovulatie, mediaan 12,3; 349 luteaal, mediaan 3,6; 181 postmenopauzaal, mediaan 67). Een hormoonreferentiewaarde is assay-specifiek; deze waarden gelden voor de Roche Elecsys-methode.

Source: Roche Diagnostics Reference population: Roche referentiecohort (Elecsys FSH bijsluiter)

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Check your own value

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): what this test measures

This test measures the concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone in your blood. FSH is released by the pituitary gland and stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs or the testes to produce sperm. Your healthcare provider may interpret FSH alongside LH and sex hormones for context.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): why this value matters

FSH is central to understanding your reproductive timeline. Elevated levels could suggest diminishing ovarian reserve or approaching menopause, while low levels may indicate disrupted ovulation. Tracking FSH with your healthcare provider may provide valuable insight into your fertility and cycle health.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): how to prepare

Do you have a cycle? Pick the right day
Required

If you have a menstrual cycle, count the first day of your period as day 1 and have the draw on day 2 to 5. On hormonal contraception, or without a cycle, any day works.

Water is always fine. Drink as usual beforehand, it makes the draw easier.
Take your usual medication, unless your own doctor told you otherwise.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): when is testing worthwhile?

Your healthcare provider may recommend FSH testing when evaluating fertility, investigating irregular or absent menstrual periods, assessing menopausal status, or examining delayed puberty. For women, testing is typically performed early in the menstrual cycle. Consult your provider for timing advice.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Some people may experience irregular or absent menstrual periods, decreased libido, infertility, or delayed puberty when FSH levels are low. Fatigue and reduced body hair could also suggest insufficient FSH production. A healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause.

High Levels

Elevated FSH levels may be associated with menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats in women, or could suggest testicular dysfunction in men. High FSH may also indicate diminished ovarian reserve. Your healthcare provider can evaluate what elevated levels mean for your situation.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): what to do about an abnormal value

Female

If Low

Low FSH may indicate pituitary dysfunction, hypothalamic amenorrhea, or PCOS. Consult with a gynecologist or reproductive endocrinologist.

If High

High FSH may indicate diminished ovarian reserve, menopause, or premature ovarian failure. Consider fertility consultation if planning pregnancy.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): lifestyle and this value

Maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and ensuring adequate nutrition may support healthy pituitary function and FSH regulation. Avoiding excessive exercise that could disrupt hormonal balance is also important. Always discuss concerns about your reproductive health with your healthcare provider.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): frequently asked questions

What does FSH do?

FSH stimulates egg development in women and sperm production in men, playing a key reproductive role.

Can FSH indicate menopause?

Rising FSH levels may suggest approaching menopause. Your healthcare provider can help interpret your results.

When in my cycle should I test FSH?

FSH is typically tested on day 2-4 of your cycle. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised timing.

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