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Follicle stimulating hormone

About This Test

Department: Biochemistry

Requirement:

  • Gel/clotted (yellow/red top)

Add-on requests are accepted up to 48 hours post sampling

 

Turnaround Time:

Up to 24 hours

Background:

Investigation of infertility and pituitary function in males and females, and menstrual irregularity in females; investigation of pubertal disorders in children.

Age/gender specific reference ranges are supplied.

In females, elevated FSH (> 30 IU/L)  in conjunction with amenorrhea is consistent with menopause/ovarian failure.

Low or suppressed FSH is seen in pituitary disease, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, strenous exercise and anorexia.

In males with low serum testosterone, LH and FSH can help distinguish hypergonadotrophic from hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism.

Reference ranges:

Age range Reference range (IU/L)
< 10 years 0 - 3
< 55 years Females

Follicular: 2.5 - 10.2

Midcycle: 3.4 - 33.4

Luteal: 1.5 - 9.1

> 55 years Females 23.0 - 116.3
  Males 1.4 - 18.1

Results outside the reference range do not necessarily indicate disease. Similarly, results within the reference range do not preclude abnormality. Please contact the Duty Biochemist for discussion of individual patient results.

Other Comments:

For more information, please see the following: FSH - Lab Tests Online

See also: LHOestradiolTestosteroneCortisol