FSH

Sex HormonesHormonal BalanceBlood

FSH is a hormone the pituitary gland makes and releases. It plays a role in sexual development and reproduction, and affects the function of the ovaries and testicles.

Why it matters: A higher-than-normal FSH level is most often a sign of an issue in the ovaries or testes.

Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters, what moves it, related conditions

Reference Range
1.5 – 12.4mIU/mL
1.5
12.4LowNormalHigh
What Moves It

May increase with:

Menopause
Damage or dysfunction of the ovaries or testes
Chemotherapy

May decrease with:

Pituitary disorders such as a pituitary adenoma
Hypopituitarism
Kallmann syndrome
Associated Conditions
An issue in the ovaries or testes, which higher-than-normal levels are most often a sign ofPrimary hypogonadism, also called hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, associated with primary ovarian insufficiency or testicular failure, which higher-than-normal levels usually signalPrecocious, or early, puberty in children, which higher-than-expected levels alongside secondary sexual characteristics indicateHypogonadotropic hypogonadism, usually arising from the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, which lower-than-normal levels signal
Related Markers
LHTestosterone (Total)Estradiol
Common questions

What is FSH?

FSH is a hormone the pituitary gland makes and releases. It plays a role in sexual development and reproduction, and affects the function of the ovaries and testicles.

What might a high or low FSH mean?

A higher-than-normal FSH level is most often a sign of an issue in the ovaries or testes.

What is the typical reference range for FSH?

The general-population reference range shown here is 1.5 – 12.4 mIU/mL. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

What can affect FSH?

It may be higher with: Menopause, Damage or dysfunction of the ovaries or testes, Chemotherapy. It may be lower with: Pituitary disorders such as a pituitary adenoma, Hypopituitarism, Kallmann syndrome.

More in Sex Hormones
EstradiolFree TestosteroneLHProgesteroneProlactinSHBGTestosterone (Total)

Track your FSH over time

Upload your lab report and see where your values fall.

Get Started Free