Information about a laboratory test

Low FSH: What Does It Mean?

Low FSH may occur with pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction; sex and menstrual-cycle phase strongly affect interpretation.

Test summary

Test name
FSH
Abbreviations
FSH
Category
Endocrinology / Reproductive
Panel
Reproductive Hormones
Specimen
Serum / plasma
Common units
mIU/mL, IU/L

What does the test measure?

Measures FSH, a pituitary hormone involved in ovarian and testicular function, sexual development, and reproduction.

Why is the test ordered?

Used in infertility, menstrual disorders, menopause, early or delayed puberty, and evaluation of ovarian or testicular function.

Information about a low result

Low FSH may occur with pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction; sex and menstrual-cycle phase strongly affect interpretation.

Information about a high result

High FSH is physiologic after menopause; in reproductive-age adults it can provide information about ovarian or testicular function depending on context.

Reference and clinical context

Use the reference interval printed on your own laboratory report first. Hormone results may vary with the assay, age, sex, pregnancy, menstrual-cycle phase, and sampling time.

Reference range 1

>= 1.5 – <= 12.4 mIU/mL

Population
Adults
Sex
Male
Age range
18
Specimen
Serum / plasma

Example reference interval

This is an example interval from the cited source. Menstrual-cycle phase, menopause, and pregnancy can materially affect reproductive-hormone results.

Reference range 2

>= 4.7 – <= 21.5 mIU/mL

Population
Menstruating adults
Sex
Female
Pregnancy status
No
Specimen
Serum / plasma

Example reference interval

This is an example interval from the cited source. Menstrual-cycle phase, menopause, and pregnancy can materially affect reproductive-hormone results.

Reference range 3

>= 25.8 – <= 134.8 mIU/mL

Population
Postmenopausal adults
Sex
Female
Pregnancy status
No
Specimen
Serum / plasma

Example reference interval

This is an example interval from the cited source. Menstrual-cycle phase, menopause, and pregnancy can materially affect reproductive-hormone results.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

FSH is usually interpreted with LH and, depending on sex, estradiol/progesterone or testosterone. A single female range cannot represent every cycle phase.

Related specialties

  • Endocrinology
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Urology
  • Pediatric Endocrinology

Frequently asked questions

Sources

  1. Prolactin Levels — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical reference · 2024 · Prolactin purpose; pregnancy, medicines and sampling-time context · Verified: Aug 11, 2026

  2. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Levels Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical reference · 2023 · FSH use with LH, estrogen, testosterone and progesterone · Verified: Aug 11, 2026

  3. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) blood test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical encyclopedia · 2025 · Age/sex/menopause example FSH reference values · Verified: Aug 11, 2026

  4. Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Levels Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical reference · 2023 · LH function and use with FSH and reproductive hormones · Verified: Aug 11, 2026

  5. Estrogen Levels Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical reference · 2025 · Estrogen testing across fertility, pregnancy, bone health and menopause · Verified: Aug 11, 2026

  6. Testosterone Levels Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical reference · 2025 · Total, free and bioavailable testosterone testing · Verified: Aug 12, 2026

  7. Anti-Müllerian Hormone Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)

    Government medical reference · 2023 · AMH, ovarian reserve, age dependence and limitations · Verified: Aug 11, 2026