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Hormones

FSH Blood Test

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland and is essential for reproductive function throughout life. Monitoring FSH may help detect age-related hormonal changes early. Your healthcare provider can help you understand your results in the context of your overall health.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

See the value that applies to you:

Choose male or female — this range differs by sex.

Enter your age — this range changes with age.

This range also depends on context such as cycle phase or sample material; the highlighted rows apply to your group.

Your reference range
U/L
1,5 134,8 U/L
Reference ranges by group, in U/L
Male 1,5–12,4 U/L
1,5 12,4
Female · Follicular 3,5–12,5 U/L
3,5 12,5
Female · Ovulatory 4,7–21,5 U/L
4,7 21,5
Female · Luteal 1,7–7,7 U/L
1,7 7,7
Female · Postmenopausal 25,8–134,8 U/L
25,8 134,8
1,5 134,8 U/L

Package-insert value: 5th-95th percentile per subgroup (n = 319 men, median 4.6; 376 follicular, median 6.9; 56 ovulation, median 12.3; 349 luteal, median 3.6; 181 postmenopausal, median 67). A hormone reference value is assay-specific; these values apply to the Roche Elecsys method.

Source: Roche Diagnostics Reference population: Roche reference cohort (Elecsys FSH package insert)

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Check your own value

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): what this test measures

This test measures the concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone in your blood. FSH is released by the pituitary gland and stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs or the testes to produce sperm. Your healthcare provider may interpret FSH alongside LH and sex hormones for context.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): why this value matters

FSH provides insight into pituitary and gonadal health. Changes in levels with age could suggest natural hormonal transitions or conditions that merit attention. Your healthcare provider can help you understand whether your FSH levels are appropriate for your age and health profile.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): how the blood test works

Referral
No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw
A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Which test
on its own €25,- Menopause · €99,- · Hormones Women · €139,- · Whoop · €499,- · Whoop Heart Health · €629,-
Where
650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): how to prepare

  1. Do you have a cycle? Pick the right day

    Required

    If you have a menstrual cycle, count the first day of your period as day 1 and have the draw on day 2 to 5. On hormonal contraception, or without a cycle, any day works.

  • Water is always fine. Drink as usual beforehand, it makes the draw easier.
  • Take your usual medication, unless your own doctor told you otherwise.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): when is testing worthwhile?

Your healthcare provider may recommend FSH testing when evaluating fertility, investigating irregular or absent menstrual periods, assessing menopausal status, or examining delayed puberty. For women, testing is typically performed early in the menstrual cycle. Consult your provider for timing advice.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Some people may experience irregular or absent menstrual periods, decreased libido, infertility, or delayed puberty when FSH levels are low. Fatigue and reduced body hair could also suggest insufficient FSH production. A healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause.

High Levels

Elevated FSH levels may be associated with menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats in women, or could suggest testicular dysfunction in men. High FSH may also indicate diminished ovarian reserve. Your healthcare provider can evaluate what elevated levels mean for your situation.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): what to do about an abnormal value

Male

If Low

Low FSH may indicate pituitary dysfunction or hypogonadism. Consult with an endocrinologist for evaluation of pituitary function.

If High

Elevated FSH may indicate primary testicular failure or Klinefelter syndrome. Consider genetic testing and consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist.

Female

If Low

Low FSH may indicate pituitary dysfunction, hypothalamic amenorrhea, or PCOS. Consult with a gynecologist or reproductive endocrinologist.

If High

High FSH may indicate diminished ovarian reserve, menopause, or premature ovarian failure. Consider fertility consultation if planning pregnancy.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): lifestyle and this value

Maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and ensuring adequate nutrition may support healthy pituitary function and FSH regulation. Avoiding excessive exercise that could disrupt hormonal balance is also important. Always discuss concerns about your reproductive health with your healthcare provider.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): frequently asked questions

What does FSH do?

FSH stimulates egg development in women and sperm production in men, playing a key reproductive role.

Can FSH indicate menopause?

Rising FSH levels may suggest approaching menopause. Your healthcare provider can help interpret your results.

When in my cycle should I test FSH?

FSH is typically tested on day 2-4 of your cycle. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised timing.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): sources

  1. Roche Diagnostics. Elecsys FSH, Method Sheet 08932387500 V 4.0, 2024-06 (CE). Material 08932387190 (cobas e 402 / e 801). Verwachte waarden: 5e-95e percentiel. (retrieved 2026) elabdoc-prod.roche.com

Test Products

This marker is included in the following test panels.

Whoop

Whoop

A 45-biomarker comprehensive health panel inspired by WHOOP Advanced Labs — a deep look at metabolism, cardiovascular risk, hormones, liver, kidney and inflammation.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Total Testosterone Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Potassium Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol Albumin HOMA-IR ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Total Protein Urea (BUN) Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Transferrin Saturation Lipoprotein(a) Triglycerides Basic Blood Count Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect) Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio
€499,-
Whoop

Whoop Heart Health

A 46-biomarker heart health panel inspired by the WHOOP Heart Health Panel — an advanced look at cholesterol, lipoproteins, inflammation and kidney function.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Albumin Total Protein Bilirubin (Total) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Total Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Lipoprotein(a) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Calcium Bicarbonate Chloride Sodium Potassium Magnesium Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Total Testosterone Free Testosterone TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Insulin (Fasting) HOMA-IR CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Ferritin Iron (Serum) Transferrin Transferrin Saturation Vitamin D (25-OH) Cystatin C Uric Acid Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect) Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio
€629,-

Medical reviewer

Medical standards

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Medical policy
CIBG Ministerie van Volksgezondheid,
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FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

€25,-