Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a protein produced by the pituitary gland and it has a vital role in your sexual development and reproductive health. FSH helps to stimulate the growth of eggs in the ovaries, which is essential for supporting ovulation and regulating menstruation cycles. As you age, FSH levels typically increase gradually as the ovaries begin to produce fewer eggs.
Our FSH blood test measures FSH level and can provide information on female reproductive health and hormone balance. A change in hormone level can cause symptoms such as irregular periods, decreased sex drive and weight fluctuations.
Note: This test does not diagnose or determine the cause of infertility. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any questions about your result.
Preparation: If you are still menstruating, it is recommended to test on day 3 of your menstrual cycle (cycle day 1 is the first day of your period). If you have no menstrual cycle or have irregular menstrual cycles, you can test at any time.
If you’re taking a supplement containing biotin (also called vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H or coenzyme R), commonly found in products promoting nail, skin and hair health, we recommend that you wait at least 72 hours from your last dose before taking the test.
Symptoms of FSH imbalance may include fatigue, irregular periods or decreased libido. FSH plays an essential role in regulating the menstrual cycle, and hormonal imbalances can occur due to several factors, including the transition of menopause, stress, illness, an unbalanced diet, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, or excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption.
Symptoms of FSH imbalance may include fatigue, irregular periods or decreased libido. FSH plays an essential role in regulating the menstrual cycle, and hormonal imbalances can occur due to several factors, including the transition of menopause, stress, illness, an unbalanced diet, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, or excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption.
It's important to remember that hormonal imbalance due to menopause is a natural phase of life.
These symptoms could also be caused by other conditions. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any questions about your results or symptoms.
FSH plays an essential role in reproductive health by stimulating the growth of eggs in the ovaries and regulating the menstrual cycle. Whether you're assessing reproductive health, tracking menopausal transition, or seeking insights into hormonal balance, monitoring your FSH levels can empower you to make informed decisions on your reproductive and hormone health.
Our FSH test is a quick and convenient way to gain information about your reproductive health to better understand your menstrual cycles, which you can then discuss with your healthcare provider.
1. Cleveland Clinic. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). January 23, 2023. Accessed October 16, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24638-follicle-stimulating-hormone-fsh
2. Lindsay TJ, Vitrikas KR. Evaluation and treatment of infertility. Am Fam Physician. 2015 Mar 1;91(5):308-14. Erratum in: Am Fam Physician. 2015 Sep 15;92 (6):437.
<p>1. Cleveland Clinic. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). January 23, 2023. Accessed October 16, 2023. <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24638-follicle-stimulating-hormone-fsh">https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24638-follicle-stimulating-hormone-fsh</a></p> <p>2. Lindsay TJ, Vitrikas KR. Evaluation and treatment of infertility. Am Fam Physician. 2015 Mar 1;91(5):308-14. Erratum in: Am Fam Physician. 2015 Sep 15;92 (6):437.</p>
A hormone that plays a vital role in reproduction by stimulating the growth of eggs in the ovaries and regulating the menstrual cycle. FSH levels in women fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, with the highest FSH levels generally detected just before an egg is released by the ovary (also known as ovulation). At menopause, the ovaries become less responsive to FSH and LH hormones, resulting in elevated levels of these hormones.
View your easy-to-read results online in your Labcorp Patient™ account, including Linked Accounts. For certain results that require prompt attention, you will also be contacted by phone or mail.
For adults who are assigned female at birth, the symptoms of hormonal imbalance may include:
If you’re experiencing new, persistent symptoms or have concerns about your FSH level, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider who can interpret the results in the context of your overall health and medical history.
A normal FSH level will vary based on your age and sexual organs, and it’s important to note that reference ranges can vary slightly between laboratories and testing methods.
If you have concerns about your FSH level, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider who can interpret the results in the context of your overall health and medical history.
Hormone changes in the body trigger each of the four phases of the menstrual cycle: menstruation, follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase.
Menstruation is the first phase of the menstrual cycle and is the shedding of the lining of the uterus. During menstruation, the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone drop, which causes the endometrium to detach from the walls of the uterus, causing bleeding.
Proliferative (follicular) phase is the phase of the menstrual cycle that starts after menstruation and ends with ovulation. During this phase, the ovaries produce follicles which develop into a mature egg. The level of estrogen increases, and this helps to thicken the lining of the uterus so that it can support a pregnancy. The follicles grow and mature under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Ovulation phase is when an egg is released from a follicle in the ovary. Ovulation is triggered by a surge in the hormone luteinizing hormone (LH). The egg travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus, where it can be fertilized by a sperm.
Luteal phase begins after ovulation when the follicle that released the egg becomes a corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. Progesterone helps to maintain the thick lining of the uterus to prepare for a fertilized egg. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum breaks down and the level of progesterone decreases. This causes the lining of the uterus to shed, and the menstrual cycle begins again.
Want to learn more about FSH testing, hormone health and menopause? Here are some additional resources to help you stay informed about your hormone health:
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