Follicle Stimulating Hormone blood test
Normal Reference Range
♂ 1.4 – 13.6 U/L
♀ 2.5 – 19.5 U/L = Follicular phase
♀ 4.0 – 18.7 U/L = Mid-cycle
♀ 0.4 – 12.4 U/L = Luteal phase
♀ 1.8 – 140.0 U/L = Post-Menopausal
Test Information
During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, FSH encourages the formation and development of ovarian follicles (eggs) in women.
FSH starts the follicle’s synthesis of oestradiol during the follicular phase, and the two hormones cooperate to promote the growth of the egg follicle.
FSH encourages progesterone production during the luteal phase. Oestradiol and progesterone both assist the pituitary in regulating the quantity of FSH secreted.
The ovaries stop producing at menopause, and FSH levels increase. FSH encourages men’s testicles to generate mature sperm. After puberty, the FSH levels in men remain largely constant.
Clinical Indications
Fertility assessment for men and women)
Investigations of Hypopituitarism and hypogonadism
Sample Required
5mL serum sample tube is required for the FSH blood test
Min. sample volume
1.0mL
Special Instructions and Precautions
Not applicable
Time Limits For Retrospective Testing
5 days
Any factors affecting the test
Not applicable
Turnaround Time
6 hrs
Referral centre (if applicable)
Not applicable
Test Code
FSH