Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Test Alias / Common Abbreviations

FSH

 

Department


Biochemistry
Royal Stoke University Hospital


Pre-analytical information  

 

Add-on requests: accepted up to 72 hours post sampling

Minimum Retest Interval: 7 days

Sample Collection Instructions:
Collect the sample using normal venepuncture technique into a serum gel tube (gold-top).

Sample Transport & Stability Information:

Samples should be sent to the laboratory on the same day as collection to ensure sample integrity is maintained.  If a delay in receipt of the sample is anticipated, please contact the laboratory to discuss storage requirements.

Stable in separated serum for 8 hours at room temperature, 7 days at 4-8oC and 1 year at -20oC.

For generic information on test requesting, sample labelling and packaging, and sample transport – see the frequently asked questions here.

 

Sample Type, Container & Volume

Adult sample type:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paediatric sample type: 

Plain serum

 

Turnaround Time

Based on receipt at testing site.
Within 24 hours.

 

 

 

 

 

Sex

Age

FSH Range (IU/L)

Female

≤ 11 months

1.9-22.9 

Female

1 year

1.1-9.5 

Female

2-3 years

1.3-5.0 

Female

4-9 years

0.5-5.0 

Female

10 years

1.4-9.3 

Female

11-55 years

2.5-10.2 

Female

>55 years

23.0-116.3* [YU1] [CD2] 

Male

≤ 11 months

0.8-5.2 

Male

1 years

0.8-2.5 

Male

2-3 years

0.3-1.3 

Male

4-9 years

0.4-2.0 

Male

10-11 years

0.4-4.6 

Male

12-21 years

1.4-7.5 

Male

>21 years

1.4-18.1 
*For females age 11-55 years, reference range is for follicular phase of menstrual cycle is given.

Reference ranges for females with normal menstrual cycle, dependent on phase:

Phase of menstrual cycle

FSH Range (IU/L)

Follicular

2.5-10.2

Mid-cycle peak

3.4-33.4

Luteal

1.5-9.1
Results outside the reference range do not necessarily indicate disease. Similarly, results within the reference range do not preclude abnormality. Please contact the Duty Biochemist for discussion of individual patient results.

Investigation of infertility and pituitary function in males and females, and menstrual irregularity in females; investigation of pubertal disorders in children.


In females, elevated FSH (>30 IU/L) in conjunction with amenorrhea is consistent with menopause/ovarian failure.


Low or suppressed FSH is seen in pituitary disease, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, strenuous exercise and anorexia.


In males with low serum testosterone, LH and FSH can help distinguish hypergonadotrophic from hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism.


There are a number of non-pathological factors that can influence levels of specific analytes, giving falsely elevated or reduced levels. If you require more information regarding the effects of these factors on the individual test results, please contact the Duty Biochemist.

Serum/plasma samples are routinely screened for the presence of haemolysis, icterus and lipaemia. Results are not reported if one or more of these has been detected at levels deemed to have had a significant impact on the accuracy of the test.

For more information, please see the following: FSH – Lab Tests Online

Reviewed / Updated On: 10/10/2025