Interpret Your Follicle Stimulating Hormone Results
Enter your FSH value below and get an instant, free AI interpretation — a plain-English explanation checked against WHO/IFCC reference ranges.
Medical Disclaimer
This AI-generated interpretation is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results may vary based on individual health factors not captured here.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions. Read full disclaimer →
Follicle Stimulating Hormone Normal Ranges
FSH is a gonadotropin hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.
| Age Group | Sex | Reference Range | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (18–64) | Female | 3.5 – 12.5 | mIU/mL | Follicular phase (day 2–3 of cycle) |
| Adults (18–64) | Female | 4.7 – 21.5 | mIU/mL | Ovulatory peak |
| Adults (18–64) | Female | 25.8 – 134.8 | mIU/mL | Post-menopause |
| Adults (18–64) | Male | 1.5 – 12.4 | mIU/mL | — |
Also reported in: IU/L.
Why Doctors Order the Follicle Stimulating Hormone Test
FSH is a key test in the fertility workup. Elevated FSH in women (especially on cycle day 2–3) indicates diminished ovarian reserve — the pituitary must work harder because fewer follicles remain.
How to Enter Your FSH Result
Follicle Stimulating Hormone can be reported in mIU/mL or IU/L. Choose the unit printed next to your result on the lab report so it is compared with the matching reference range.
Reference ranges for FSH differ between men and women, so entering your sex gives a more accurate reading.
What a Low or High FSH Can Be Associated With
Below the reference range
- Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (pituitary or hypothalamic failure)
- Hyperprolactinemia (prolactin suppresses GnRH and FSH)
- Severe caloric restriction or eating disorders
- Excessive exercise (functional hypothalamic amenorrhea)
- PCOS (FSH may be normal or low-normal with high LH:FSH ratio)
Above the reference range
- Menopause (normal physiological rise)
- Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) — in women <40
- Primary testicular failure (Klinefelter syndrome, chemotherapy damage)
- Gonadal dysgenesis
- Turner syndrome
These are common associations, not a diagnosis. A single result is read alongside your symptoms, history and other tests — discuss it with your doctor.
What Can Change Your FSH Result
Before you read too much into a result, consider whether any of these applied:
- Cycle day in women (FSH varies dramatically throughout the menstrual cycle)
- Recent oral contraceptive use (suppresses FSH)
- Clomiphene citrate treatment (raises FSH)
- Biotin supplements (can interfere with immunoassays)
Preparing for the test: In women, FSH should ideally be drawn on cycle day 2 or 3 (the early follicular phase) for ovarian reserve assessment. No fasting required.
Symptoms That Often Prompt FSH Testing
- Irregular or absent periods
- Hot flashes (in menopause or POI)
- Infertility
- Loss of libido
- Vaginal dryness
Want the full clinical guide to Follicle Stimulating Hormone?
Reference ranges, causes, symptoms, preparation, and FAQs.