Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A pituitary hormone that regulates eggs in women and sperm in men.

Last reviewedJune 16, 2026

Serum

sample type

~5 mL

blood needed

~7 days

results in app

Day 2 to 4 of cycle for women, morning preferred

best timing

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Why test Reference ranges What you'll learn What affects it How testing works Sources FAQ

In short

Follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, is made by the pituitary gland. In women it helps ovarian follicles grow each cycle. In men it supports sperm production.

Sex Hormones & Fertility

Reviewed against DGKL reference practice.

Why test this?

FSH is a key marker of fertility and of how the ovaries or testes are working. A rising FSH is one of the clearest signs that the ovaries are running low on eggs, as happens around menopause.

High FSH with low sex hormones points to a problem in the ovaries or testes. Low FSH with low sex hormones points to a pituitary or hypothalamic cause. In men, high FSH can signal impaired sperm production.

What is a normal result?

Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.

Strongly cycle, sex, and menopause dependent. Guidance only and assay dependent. Ranges vary by lab.

Group or phase	Reference range
Women, follicular phase	~3 to 9 IU/L
Women, mid-cycle peak	~3 to 22 IU/L
Women, luteal phase	~1.5 to 8 IU/L
Women, postmenopausal	~25 to 135 IU/L
Men	~1.5 to 12.5 IU/L

Source: LOINC 15067-2. Confirm against your own laboratory's range.

Ranges are guidance and vary by lab and assay, aligned with DGKL practice. Always read your result against your own lab's reference interval.

What insights will this test give you?

Your result, read with LH and your sex hormones, helps show your ovarian reserve or testicular function and where a hormone issue arises. It supports work on fertility, menopause timing, and low testosterone.

What can affect this result?

What can skew the result

Levels change across the cycle, so timing matters. Hormonal contraception and hormone therapy suppress FSH. High-dose biotin supplements can interfere with certain assays.