FSH levels: what's normal, high and low
A pituitary hormone that drives sex-hormone production. In women it varies dramatically through the menstrual cycle and rises sharply at menopause.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
FSH is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 1.50 – 12.4 mIU/mL (male, age 18+; more bands below). At TestWell it's $29.99 all-in as FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), results in 2–4 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- mIU/mL / IU/L
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 2–4 business days
- Price
- $29.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ
FSH Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| Male, age 18+ | 1.50 – 12.4 mIU/mL |
| Female, age 18+, varies by cycle phase | 1.40 – 25.0 mIU/mL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What your FSH result may mean
In women, often reflects menopause or reduced ovarian reserve. In men, can reflect testicular issues.
What a high FSH means: causes, symptoms, next steps ↓Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
What does a high FSH mean?
High FSH in a woman means the ovaries are responding less, so the pituitary pushes harder — the pattern of perimenopause, menopause and, before 40, primary ovarian insufficiency. Cycle day matters: FSH is read on days 2–5. In men, high FSH indicates impaired sperm production (primary testicular failure). A single high FSH during perimenopause can be followed by a normal one; the trend and symptoms matter.
Common causes of a high FSH
- Perimenopause and menopause
- Primary ovarian insufficiency (before age 40); Turner syndrome; chemotherapy or radiation
- Men: primary testicular failure, Klinefelter syndrome, prior chemotherapy
- Mid-cycle draw (pre-ovulatory surge) rather than day 2–5
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- Irregular or absent periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness
- Men: low sperm count, small testes
What clinicians usually check next
- Repeat on cycle days 2–5 with estradiol and LH
- AMH for ovarian reserve
- Pregnancy test in anyone who could be pregnant
- Men: semen analysis, testosterone, karyotype when indicated
Follow-up tests at TestWell: Pregnancy Test (Quantitative hCG) ($26.99), Egg Reserve & Fertility Test (AMH) ($74.99), LH (Luteinizing Hormone) ($36.99), Estradiol (E2) ($35.99).
What FSH level means menopause?
Persistently above about 25–40 mIU/mL with low estradiol and 12 months without periods. During perimenopause FSH fluctuates, so a single value doesn't settle it.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
What does a low FSH mean?
Low FSH — usually with low LH — means the pituitary or hypothalamus is under-signalling. Common causes are hormonal contraception, low body weight, eating disorders, heavy exercise, stress, high prolactin and pituitary disorders; in men it accompanies secondary hypogonadism from obesity, opioids, anabolic steroids or pituitary disease. It's also normal in pregnancy and mid-cycle just after the surge.
Common causes of a low FSH
- Hormonal contraception, hormone therapy, anabolic steroids
- Functional hypothalamic suppression: low body weight, eating disorders, over-exercise, stress
- High prolactin
- Pituitary tumors or damage, hemochromatosis
- Pregnancy
- Opioids, glucocorticoids
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- Absent or infrequent periods, infertility
- Men: low libido, low testosterone symptoms
What clinicians usually check next
- LH, estradiol or testosterone, prolactin, TSH
- Review medications and body weight history
- Pituitary evaluation when unexplained
Follow-up tests at TestWell: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ($26.99), TSH + Free T4 ($27.99), LH (Luteinizing Hormone) ($36.99), Estradiol (E2) ($35.99), Prolactin ($39.99).
Is a low FSH good for fertility?
Not by itself — a low FSH with a low estradiol and absent periods means the ovaries aren't being stimulated. Fertility assessment looks at the whole axis.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a FSH test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. FSH is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) | This marker only | $29.99 |
| Women's Fertility Essentials | 5 tests | $119.99 |
| TRT Quarterly Panel | 11 tests | $179.00 |
| Menopause Assessment Panel | 8 tests | $179.99 |
| Female HRT Quarterly Monitoring Panel | 12 tests | $179.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for FSH: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $29.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $29.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $29.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Hormones biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside FSH.
Frequently asked
What does a high FSH mean?
High FSH in a woman means the ovaries are responding less, so the pituitary pushes harder — the pattern of perimenopause, menopause and, before 40, primary ovarian insufficiency. Cycle day matters: FSH is read on days 2–5. In men, high FSH indicates impaired sperm production (primary testicular failure). A single high FSH during perimenopause can be followed by a normal one; the trend and symptoms matter.
What FSH level means menopause?
Persistently above about 25–40 mIU/mL with low estradiol and 12 months without periods. During perimenopause FSH fluctuates, so a single value doesn't settle it.
What does a low FSH mean?
Low FSH — usually with low LH — means the pituitary or hypothalamus is under-signalling. Common causes are hormonal contraception, low body weight, eating disorders, heavy exercise, stress, high prolactin and pituitary disorders; in men it accompanies secondary hypogonadism from obesity, opioids, anabolic steroids or pituitary disease. It's also normal in pregnancy and mid-cycle just after the surge.
Is a low FSH good for fertility?
Not by itself — a low FSH with a low estradiol and absent periods means the ovaries aren't being stimulated. Fertility assessment looks at the whole axis.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my fsh?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get FSH results?
Most FSH results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a FSH test cost?
Our FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) starts at $29.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my FSH test?
Fasting is not required for the FSH test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day.
Which lab will process my FSH test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
What can throw off a FSH result?
Cycle day, oral contraceptives and estrogen and antidepressants and antipsychotics can change a FSH result without anything being wrong. Cycle day can shift FSH — draw on cycle days 2–5. Oral contraceptives and estrogen can lower FSH — Cycle-day hormone testing is not meaningful on the pill or with a hormonal IUD/implant. Antidepressants and antipsychotics can lower FSH — irregular cycles, low libido or low testosterone on these medications: check prolactin alongside the sex hormones. Each is explained on our physician-reviewed "Before your test" pages; when one applies, remove it and retest.
Ready to test your fsh?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $29.99.