Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 1–2 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Get answers fast — Results in 1-2 days without doctor referrals
- Plan your fertility — Assess reproductive health and ovarian reserve
- Track menopause — Monitor hormonal changes during life transitions
- Complete privacy — Secure online results delivered directly to you
- No appointment hassles — Walk-in testing at convenient locations nationwide
- Cost-effective — Transparent pricing without insurance complications
Who Is This Test For?
- Women trying to conceive who want to assess fertility potential
- Couples experiencing infertility after 12+ months of trying
- Women with irregular periods or missing menstrual cycles
- Perimenopausal women experiencing hot flashes or mood changes
- Men with low sperm count or decreased testosterone symptoms
- Anyone with suspected pituitary disorders affecting reproductive health
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — No doctor visit required, choose your preferred lab location
- Visit lab — Quick blood draw takes just minutes with valid ID
- Get results — Secure online portal delivers results within 1-2 business days
FAQ
What does FSH measure in my body? FSH controls egg and sperm production by regulating your reproductive organs and fertility cycles.
When is the best time to test FSH? Women should test on days 2-3 of their menstrual cycle; men can test anytime.
Do I need to fast before this test? No fasting required, but avoid biotin supplements for 72 hours before testing.
How accurate are FSH test results? Clinical FSH testing achieves approximately 90% accuracy for detecting elevated hormone levels (FDA 2018).
What if my FSH levels are abnormal? Consult a healthcare provider to discuss results and develop appropriate treatment plans.
Can medications affect FSH results? Yes, hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy may influence FSH levels.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The FSH blood test measures follicle-stimulating hormone levels to evaluate reproductive function, fertility status, and pituitary health. FSH is produced by your pituitary gland and controls egg development in women and sperm production in men (Cleveland Clinic 2025). This hormone serves as a key biomarker for assessing ovarian reserve, menopause onset, and identifying potential fertility issues before they become critical.
Who would benefit from this test?
Women experiencing fertility challenges, irregular menstrual cycles, or menopause symptoms benefit most from FSH testing. Men with low sperm count, decreased sex drive, or testosterone issues should also consider this test (Medical News Today 2023). Additionally, individuals with suspected pituitary disorders, premature puberty, or delayed puberty can gain valuable insights from FSH measurements.
When should I order FSH testing?
Women should test on days 2-3 of their menstrual cycle for baseline fertility assessment. Consider testing after 12 months of unsuccessful conception attempts or when experiencing irregular periods (MedlinePlus 2023). Men can test anytime, especially when fertility concerns arise or testosterone symptoms develop.
How do I interpret the results?
FSH levels vary significantly by age, sex, and reproductive status. Understanding your results helps guide next steps for reproductive health.
Adult men:
- Normal range: 1.5-12.4 mIU/mL
- What it means: Normal reproductive function
Premenopausal women:
- Normal range: 4.7-21.5 mIU/mL
- What it means: Active ovarian function
Postmenopausal women:
- Normal range: 25.8-134.8 mIU/mL
- What it means: Expected menopause transition
Elevated FSH levels typically suggest reduced fertility, while low levels may indicate pituitary disorders.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required for FSH testing. Discontinue biotin supplements at least 72 hours before your blood draw to prevent assay interference (Mayo Clinic Labs 2023). Women should coordinate timing with their menstrual cycle for optimal accuracy. Inform laboratory staff about current medications, particularly hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your specific health circumstances and reproductive goals.
- Fertility assessment: Every 3-6 months while trying to conceive
- Menopause monitoring: Every 6-12 months during perimenopause
- Treatment monitoring:: As directed by healthcare provider
- General reproductive health: Annually after age 35
Why early detection matters
Early FSH testing identifies reproductive changes before symptoms become severe. Approximately 16% of couples experience infertility requiring medical evaluation, with FSH serving as a primary diagnostic tool (Reproductive Biology 2007). Detecting elevated FSH levels early allows time for fertility preservation options and treatment planning. For women approaching menopause, early detection enables proactive management of symptoms and bone health concerns.
Related tests you may consider
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test provides superior ovarian reserve assessment with 80% sensitivity compared to FSH's 28.57% (BMC Women's Health 2015).
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Test works synergistically with FSH to provide comprehensive fertility evaluation.
Fertility Hormone Blood Test Panel including FSH, LH, estradiol, and AMH offers complete reproductive hormone assessment for thorough fertility planning.
