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Fsh Test Information

FSH tests are performed in order to measure follicle-stimulating hormone levels in a blood sample. Follicle-stimulating hormone is produced by the pituitary gland in both men and women.

  1. Purpose

    • FSH tests are often performed to help determine the cause of infertility; they allow physicians to assess a woman's egg supply, a man's low sperm count, menopause and menstrual problems. They can also help explain early puberty in a child and delayed puberty in a teenager or young adult.

    FSH Levels in Women

    • FSH levels vary at each stage of a woman's life; at child-bearing age normal levels are 5 to 30 IU/L (international units per liter), while normal menopausal levels are 50 to 100 IU/L. Depending on age, higher levels can indicate polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian failure and menopause.

    FSH Levels in Men

    • Normal male FSH levels are 5 to 20 IU/L. Higher levels can indicate Klinefelter syndrome (male genetic disorder), improperly functioning testicles or testicular damage due to disease or medical treatment, such as chemotherapy.

    Abnormally Low FSH Levels

    • Very low FSH levels may indicate that a woman is not producing eggs or that a man is not producing sperm. It can also be hypopituitarism, a condition where the pituitary gland is not properly producing hormones.

    Variables

    • Several factors which can influence your test results are medication, menstruation, eating disorders and genetic conditions.

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