FSH
A pituitary hormone that stimulates ovaries (in women) and sperm production (in men).
What is it
FSH is produced by the pituitary gland and acts on the gonads. In women it regulates ovarian follicle development; in men it supports sperm production.
Why it's measured
FSH is foundational to fertility evaluation and menopausal status assessment in research and clinical practice.
Reference range
Standard laboratory reference
Sex- and cycle-dependent mIU/mL
Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Your individual reference range will appear on your test report and should be interpreted by your physician in the context of your overall health profile.
What results may indicate
Elevated
In women, has been associated with perimenopausal and postmenopausal transitions. In men, may indicate testicular dysfunction.
Lower
May indicate pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction in research literature.
These associations are general. They are not a personal diagnosis or prediction. Discuss your individual results with your physician in the context of your full health profile.
When it's measured
Used in reproductive hormone evaluation across both sexes.
Related markers
Common questions
FSH is produced by the pituitary gland and acts on the gonads. In women it regulates ovarian follicle development; in men it supports sperm production.
It's one of the markers used to build a fuller picture of your health. On its own it tells you very little, so it's most informative when reviewed alongside related markers.
It's measured from a standard blood draw at Quest or LabCorp. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is one of the markers included in the OPTML Apex Panel, where your results are read across systems and reviewed by a U.S.-licensed physician.
Reference ranges vary by laboratory, and a single value rarely tells the whole story. Review your result with a physician in the context of your other markers, symptoms, and history.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is one signal among many. Answer a few quick questions and we’ll point you to the panel that fits.
Measured in
A complete look at your heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, and longevity systems — drawn at Quest or LabCorp, reviewed by a U.S.-licensed physician.
Explore the Apex Panel →This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Lab results alone are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition and do not replace the advice of a healthcare provider. OPTML does not offer medical advice, a diagnosis, medical treatment, or any form of medical opinion.