HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
Results
A follicle-stimulating hormone test measures the amount of follicle-stimulating Reference hormone Opens New Window (FSH) in a blood sample. The test results depend on your age and stage of sexual development.
The phase of a woman's Reference menstrual cycle Opens New Window 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
The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what’s normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.
| Menstruating women | |
|---|---|
|
1.37–9.9 Reference international units per liter (IU/L) Opens New Window |
|
|
Midcycle peak: |
6.17–17.2 IU/L |
|
1.09–9.2 IU/L |
|
| Women past menopause: |
19.3–100.6 IU/L |
| Men: |
1.42–15.4 IU/L |
Many conditions can change FSH levels. Your doctor will discuss any significant abnormal results with you in relation to your symptoms and past health.
High values
High FSH values in a woman may mean:
- Loss of ovarian function before age 40 (ovarian failure).
- Reference Menopause Opens New Window has occurred.
High FSH values in a man may mean:
- Reference Klinefelter syndrome Opens New Window.
- Reference Testicles Opens New Window are absent or not functioning properly.
- Testicles have been damaged by a disease, such as alcohol dependence, or by treatments, such as Reference X-rays Opens New Window or Reference chemotherapy Opens New Window.
High values in children may mean that puberty is about to start.
Low values
Low FSH values may mean:
- A woman is not producing eggs (prevents ovulation) or a man is not producing sperm.
- An area of the brain (the Reference hypothalamus Opens New Window or Reference pituitary gland Opens New Window) 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.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference May 18, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Femi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
|
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
