FSH Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure, Normal Range, & More

Table of Content

Introduction to FSH Test

The FSH test, popularly known as the FSH serum test, detects FSH levels in the blood. FSH is an important hormone released from the pituitary gland that is crucial for sexual development and fertility in children and adults. A doctor can measure FSH levels through blood or urine samples. 

In menstruating women, FSH can regulate the growth of eggs in the ovaries and prepare them for ovulation. The FSH blood test can help detect the reason for irregular cycles. 

In men, FSH controls the sperm count produced by testicles. The follicle-stimulating hormone can also affect the health of the sperm. 

In children, FSH levels are generally low during the beginning of puberty. Later, FSH hormones rise simultaneously, which can trigger certain physical changes during puberty. For girls, FSH can force ovaries to produce estrogen, which may result in excessive growth of body hair, menstruation, and breasts. For boys, FSH can force testicles to release testosterone, which may increase the growth of body and facial hair and change in voice. 

Test Details in Brief

Purpose of the FSH Test

The FSH test is used to evaluate fertility issues in men and women. In children, the test can determine early or delayed puberty. 

In Women, the test assesses-

• High FSH levels may indicate a decline in ovarian function or ovarian reserve, which may cause infertility.
• The test assesses the dysfunction of ovaries or testicles.
• The test assesses the woman's ability to conceive.
• Diagnose pituitary disorders that affect FSH production.
• Measuring FSH levels can help confirm if a woman is entering perimenopause or has reached menopause.
• The test also helps to determine menstrual irregularities.
• The test evaluates the functioning of the Hypothalamus and Pituitary gland. 

In men, the test assesses- 

• The test assesses the low sperm count
• Evaluate the hypogonadism or gonadal failure
• Assess testicular dysfunction

FSH test for Children assess-

The FSH hormone test determines if the child is experiencing early or delayed puberty symptoms. The test helps to determine when the sexual features or organs will develop. Furthermore, irregular puberty may cause serious health issues in the hypothalamus, the ovaries or testicles, and other systems.

What is the FSH Test For? 

The FSH hormone test can help diagnose health conditions, causing an increase or decrease in the FSH levels. However, it has different uses for men, women, and children. 

For Women

• It can detect the reason for infertility. 
• It can determine the medical condition affecting the ovary's functioning. 
• It can find reasons for irregular menstrual cycle, especially in a childbearing age. 
• It can detect fertility health 
• It can find the beginning of menopause or perimenopause. 
• It can diagnose disorders in the pituitary glands and hypothalamus. 

For Men 

• It can detect the reason for low sperm count. 
• It can find the cause of infertility. 
• It can check any medical condition affecting the testicles. 
• It can diagnose disorders in the pituitary glands and hypothalamus. 

For Teens and Children 

The FSH blood test can find any medical disorder causing early or delayed puberty. 

Your pituitary gland produces two hormones, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), where both control sexual health. Your doctor might recommend an LH and FSH test to detect your reproductive health. Redcliffe Labs offers the FSH, LH, and 3600 other tests. Search and book the test from our website. 

What Does The FSH Test Measure?

The FSH test measures the level of follicle-stimulating hormone in the blood. The pituitary gland releases the FSH hormone, which plays a crucial role in sexual development in children and fertility in adults. Any abnormality in FSH levels can cause infertility, early or late puberty, and menstrual problems. 

The FSH test can detect or indicate serious health conditions in the hypothalamus, the ovaries or testicles, and the pituitary glands. Luteinizing hormone (LH) is another important hormone released from the pituitary gland. LH and FSH measurements may differ based on their pattern. 

When should I take the FSH hormone test?

Your doctor may recommend the FSH test in the following scenarios: 

In women, the doctor may advise the FSH test if:

• You have been trying to get pregnant for a long time (more than 12 months)
• Your menstrual cycle is irregular.
• Your periods have stopped. The test will help you know if you are facing perimenopause or menopause symptoms.

In Men, the test is advised if-

• Your partner is not pregnant after 12 months of trying
• Your sex drive is decreased

The child may need an FSH test if

• Puberty does not start at the right age. Puberty begins at or before age 9 in girls and before age 10 in boys. It is considered delayed or abnormal if it is not started by age 13 in girls and by age 14 in boys.

The FSH blood test is advised if you face symptoms like fatigue, weakness, weight loss, or decreased appetite. Consult your doctor and take the FSH blood test to know your FSH level and get treated on time. 

Preparation for the FSH Test

The FSH blood test is simple. A phlebotomist or a healthcare provider will perform the test. The FSH hormone test does not require any special preparation, but there are some guidelines you must follow before the test:

• Let your doctor know if you take any medications or supplements, as it might affect your hormone level, which may lead to false test results.
• The test does not require fasting, so that you can eat and drink as usual.
• Wear comfortable clothing so a phlebotomist can easily collect the sample from the arm vein.
• You can take the test any time of the day. 

The procedure of the FSH test

The FSH blood test procedure is as simple as other blood tests. The phlebotomist will take blood samples from the vein in your arm.

The person will tie the band on your upper arm and clean the area with an antiseptic solution. After that, the lab expert will draw the blood and collect it in the small amount of blood in the test tube. You might feel a little pain or sting, but this is normal. After drawing the blood, the healthcare provider will apply the cotton gauze or pad on the site to stop the blood. The process will not take more than 3 to 5 minutes.

FSH test Normal Range

The FSH hormone test's normal range depends on age and gender. Also, the numbers may vary from lab to lab. 

Normal FSH Levels For Age 

What do the FSH test reports indicate?

The FSH levels may vary based on gender and age. The test results are also dependent on the women's menstrual cycle. The test reports may differ from lab to lab; consult your test results with your healthcare provider.

High FSH levels-

In Women, High FSH levels signify-

• Menopause
• A loss of ovarian function or failure
• The imbalance in FSH may cause PCOS
• Fertility declines with age, and fewer eggs mature in your ovaries. The increase in FSH level may affect the quality of eggs and embryos for fertilization. 

In men, High FSH levels indicate-

• The high FSH level might indicate testicle dysfunction that may impact sperm production.
• It may cause a hormone imbalance that affects the reproductive system.

In children, the high FSH level indicates-

• The high TST level suggests the beginning of puberty.

Low FSH Level indicates- 

Low FSH level may indicate that-

• a woman isn't producing eggs, a man isn't producing sperm
• Dysfunctioning of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
• Indicates underactive ovaries that may lead to reduced egg production.
• Low FSH level in men indicates hypogonadism, where the testes produce insufficient levels of hormones, including testosterone.
• Kallmann syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes delayed or absent puberty in males.
• Low FSH levels may also cause dysfunction of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland in men.
• Low FSH levels may also cause low sperm production and fertility issues in men. 

What is the normal FSH level for getting pregnant? 

FSH levels vary based on age and the menstrual cycle. Experts suggest that the FSH test is required, especially on the third day of the cycle. 

Research on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and 3-day FSH levels showed that women with an IVF treatment had a better chance of becoming pregnant than women with an FSH level between 15 International units per milliliter (IU/mL) and 24.9 IU/mL. 

The probability of getting pregnant is low in people with an FSH level over 25 IU/mL. However, some factors, such as irregular menstrual cycles or low FSH, may lower fertility. So, clear all your doubts with your doctor or a fertility specialist. 

Medications Affecting FSH Levels in the Blood

Certain medications may increase or decrease your FSH levels in the blood. It is important to take the drugs or supplements under surveillance. 

Medicines that can Decrease FSH Levels 

• Hormone replacement therapies 
• Oral contraceptives 
• Phenothiazines

Medicines that can Increase FSH Levels 

• Cimetidine 
• Digitalis 
• Clomiphene 
• Levodopa 

Is There A Need For Follow-Up After The FSH Test? 

The FSH blood test is enough to measure FSH levels and detect any underlying medical condition. However, your doctor may recommend other tests as a part of follow-up. 

A doctor might take blood samples from women during menstruation to determine their FSH levels (high, low, or normal). They might also take the FSH blood test during the menopause phase. 

For women under 40 years, the FSH test can help detect fertility issues or reasons for early menopause. Also, women above 45 years of age, they might detect symptoms of menopause through irregular periods, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and difficulty in sleeping. 

What are the common symptoms of Abnormal FSH levels?

The symptoms of abnormal FSH levels indicate:

High FSH Levels in Women indicate-

• Menstrual Irregularities
• Fertility issues
• Menopausal Symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
• Decreased Libido 

Low FSH Levels in Men indicate-

• Irregular Menstrual Cycle 
• Fertility issues

High FSH Levels in Men:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Testicular Atrophy.
• Loss of facial and body hair.
• Gynecomastia, Enlargement of breast tissue in males.

Low FSH Levels in Men:

• Delayed puberty
• infertility

What Can Cause Irregular FSH Levels? 

The hypothalami-pituitary-gonadal axis regulates your FSH levels. Certain factors that can cause irregular FSH levels may lead to abnormal levels of hormones. These are: 

• Certain medicines, such as birth control pills. 
• Genetic health conditions such as Turner syndrome. 
• Autoimmune disease 
• Radiation therapy or chemotherapy
• Alcohol overuse 
• Thyroid disease
• Adrenal gland disorder
• Pituitary disorder 
• In Men 

1. Mumps 

2. Physical injury to the testicles 

3. Germ cell tumor 

4. Advancing age

• In Women 

1. PCOS 

2. Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) 

3. Menopause 

4. Perimenopause 

5. Abnormal development of ovaries 

6. An ovarian tumor 

When Can Your Doctor Prescribe The FSH Test? 

The FSH hormone is essential for sexual development. A doctor can recommend the FSH test to men, women, or children to monitor signs of problems in the reproductive system. The cost of the FSH test differs from lab to lab. 

The FSH Test For Men

• To determine the reason for low sperm count
• To monitor health conditions for hypogonadism and hypogonadism
• To detect the cause of testicular dysfunction

The FSH Test For Women 

• To evaluate the reason for the infertility problem 
• To monitor irregular menstrual cycles 
• To diagnose pituitary disorders or diseases related to the ovaries.

What are the risks associated with the FSH hormone test?

The blood test procedure has minimal or no risk. The risk may include:

• Dizziness
• An infection
• Bruising
• Redness at the needle site
• a hematoma
• Excessive bleeding
• Multiple puncture sites

FSH Blood Test Price at Redcliffe Labs

The FSH test cost at Redcliffe Labs is INR 500. We are just one step away from you; simply search "FSH test near me" or book your test online, and our phlebotomist will come to your place to collect your sample. Our team has professional and experienced lab experts who will help you get tested accurately. Redcliffe Labs is India's trusted diagnostic partner and provides accurate test reports timely. We focus on providing excellent service, making your experience with us easy and comfortable. Your health matters to us, and we're committed to giving you the best service possible.

Other FSH Related Packages That You Can Book with Redcliffe Labs

FSH Blood Test for Better Reproductive Health

The FSH hormone test helps to understand reproductive health. The hormone stimulates the growth and release of eggs in women and controls sperm production in men. However, high or low levels of FSH hormone may lead to certain sexual complications like infertility, low sex drive, early or delayed puberty, menopause complications, and PCOS. Consult your health condition with your doctors; your healthcare provider may recommend an FSH hormone test based on your symptoms. Understanding your FSH levels lets you take charge. Whether making plans for a family or keeping an eye on your health, the FSH blood test is valuable. So, if your doctor recommends it, take the FSH test.