What Is a Normal FSH Level for Women?

FSH stands for Follicle Stimulating Hormone. It helps the creation of eggs in the follicles of your ovaries. FSH is secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain.

Varying levels:

• FSH levels vary during different times of the woman's menstrual cycle.

Peak Level:

• The peak of the FSH level is when ovulation is about to take place.

Basal Level:

• The best time to measure the level of optimal FSH in the body is on the third day of the menstrual cycle.

Normal FSH:

• A normal FSH is suggested to be between 3 mIU/ml to 10 mIU/ml.

High FSH:

• FSH more than 12 mIU/ml suggests that the ovarian reserve is weakened. More than 25 mIU/ml is a confirmation of ovarian failure and most commonly found in menopausal women.

FSH level and Estradiol

• Estradiol is an estrogen produced by the ovary. If produced at a level more than 75 pg/ml [Day 3 of cycle] suggests low ovarian reserve. If the estradiol level is high and FSH is normal ovarian reserve may still be affected.

Low FSH:

• Less than 2 mIU/ml is found in women who are pregnant, taking the pill or who have the condition hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.