FSH Test: Normal FSH Levels by Age, Menopause, and Fertility Explained

The FSH test is a simple blood test that helps measure the FSH hormone level in the blood. Your doctor may recommend this test to assess fertility, diagnose irregular menstrual cycle, early & late puberty, and problems with the ovaries, testicles or the pituitary gland.

In this Healthy Tips4us blog, we will be discussing what the FSH test is, its normal level by age and tips to maintain the FSH level.

What is the FSH Test?

The full form of FSH is follicle-stimulating hormone. The pituitary gland releases FSH hormone, which plays a crucial role in growth and reproductive health. The pituitary gland is a small gland that is located at the base of the brain.

The follicle-stimulating hormone test helps doctors evaluate reproductive problems or fertility issues in both males and females. In women, this test helps determine ovarian follicles’ functions, and in men, the FSH test helps in evaluating sperm production and testicular function.

Why is the FSH Test done?

The level of follicle-stimulating hormone in the blood helps in the evaluation of reproductive health in both men and women.

• In women, FSH regulates the menstrual cycle and stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles, which release mature eggs for fertilization. Doctors may recommend this test to detect causes of infertility, menstrual irregularities, or symptoms of menopause.
• In men, FSH supports sperm production and indicates whether the testicles are functioning correctly. High or low levels can help diagnose testicular disorders or hormonal imbalance.

Note- The test is also used to evaluate puberty-related conditions (both early and delayed) and helps assess pituitary gland function in children and adults.

FSH Test Procedure

The FSH test is a simple blood test that starts with blood sample collection. During the sample collection, a healthcare professional ties a band around your arm and cleans the area where the needle will be inserted. The blood is then drawn into a small tube. The entire process usually takes only 2–3 minutes.

The blood sample can be collected at home, in a clinic, or at a hospital. In females, the sample is generally taken at a specific time during the menstrual cycle for accurate results. In some cases, your doctor may also ask for a urine sample to assess FSH levels.

No special preparation or fasting is required for this test. However, your doctor may advise you to stop certain medications or supplements before the test, as they can affect hormone levels.

FSH Test Cost in India typically ranges between ₹400 and ₹800, depending on the diagnostic centre and location.

FSH Normal Levels by Age Chart (Male & Female)

The FSH hormone level in blood may vary depending upon age, gender and reproductive health. In women, follicle-stimulating hormone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, and increase significantly after menopause. In men, the FSH hormone level remains relatively stable but may rise because of testicular or pituitary gland dysfunction.

The chart mentioned below will help you understand the FSH level by age and gender.

Normal FSH Level In Female

The FSH level in female changes across different life stages, from puberty to menopause-

Different Life Stages	Normal FSH Level (in IU/L)
Before Puberty	0 to 4
During Puberty	0.3 to 10
During Menstruation	4.7 to 21.5
After Menopause	25.8 to 134.8

Note: If a female experiences 30 IU/L or more than this consistently thought the year, it usually indicates that she has probably reached the menopause. However, your doctor does not always need an FSH test to diagnose menopause. An experienced doctor may evaluate menopause by assessing the patient’s medical history and symptoms.

Normal FSH Level During Menstrual Cycle

In women, the FSH level may vary throughout the different stages of the menstrual cycle.

Menstrual Cycle Stage	Normal FSH Level (in IU/L)
Follicular	1 to 9
Ovulatory Phase	6 to 26
Luteal	1-9

Note- During the early stages of pregnancy (26-30 days after ovulation), the FSH level drops to around 0.1 IU/L

Normal FSH Level In Male

The follicle-stimulating hormones vary throughout a man’s life. Below are the normal FSH levels in men at the different stages of their lives.

Different Stage Of Men’s Life	Normal FSH Level (IU/L)
Before Puberty	O to 5
During Puberty	0.3 to 10
Adulthood	1.5 to 12.4

Note: This range can vary based on the laboratories and studies.

What Is a Normal FSH Level to Get Pregnant?

The normal range of FSH in a reproductive female is between 4-10 IU/L (IU/L refers to International Unit Per Liter). On the third day of the menstrual cycle, the FSH test is done to evaluate the FSH level while assessing the fertility in females.

A FSH level below 10 IU/L in women is considered normal for pregnancy. Normal FSH level indicates healthy ovarian reserve, which ultimately suggests a higher likelihood of fertility. A follicle-stimulating hormone level higher than 10 IU/L on the third day of the menstrual cycle indicates diminished ovarian reserve, which refers to low egg quality and fewer eggs in the ovaries. Higher FSH levels in reproductive females make fertility more challenging.

Note- Low to moderate FSH levels (under 10 IU/L) are ideal for conception. Still, a persistent high level of FSH in the blood may signal fertility challenges and require medical intervention by an expert gynecologist and IVF fertility.

Factors Affecting FSH Levels

Naturally, the FSH hormone level varies depending on age and gender. However, there are certain health conditions, lifestyle, and hormonal imbalances that can affect the follicle-stimulating hormone level in the blood. Below, we have mentioned the crucial factors that may affect the FSH level:

1. Age– the FSH level in women increases with age, because the number of eggs decreases in older women, especially after the age of 35
2. Ovarian Health– low ovarian reserve and ovarian failure may lead to high levels of FSH
3. Lifestyle– smoking, chronic stress, and a low-nutrition diet may also alter the FSH level in the blood
4. Medical Treatment– long-term use of birth control, chemotherapy and radiation can increase the FSH hormone in the blood

How to Maintain Healthy FSH Levels

Making simple lifestyle and dietary changes can help maintain healthy FSH levels and support overall hormonal balance. These habits can also improve fertility, menstrual health, and energy levels. Here are some essential ways to naturally balance your FSH levels:

• Eat a nutrient-rich diet: Include foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, and kidney beans, which help regulate hormone production and support ovarian health.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Aim to keep your BMI between 18.5 and 25. Being underweight or overweight can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to abnormal FSH levels.
• Exercise regularly: Include light to moderate physical activity, such as walking, yoga, or strength training, to improve blood circulation and maintain hormonal balance.
• Manage stress effectively: High stress levels can increase the secretion of cortisol, which interferes with reproductive hormones. Practice yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to lower stress.
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol: These habits can negatively affect ovarian and testicular health, leading to abnormal FSH production.

Conclusion

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) plays a vital role in assessing fertility and reproductive health in both men and women. It helps doctors evaluate ovarian reserve in women and sperm production in men.

An FSH level below 10 IU/L is generally considered normal for conception. However, women with consistently higher FSH levels may face difficulty conceiving due to reduced egg quality or quantity.

To maintain healthy FSH levels, focus on a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management, and maintaining a healthy body weight. If you’ve been diagnosed with abnormal FSH levels, consult a qualified gynecologist or IVF specialist for personalized care and treatment options.

For expert insights on fertility and reproductive health, explore more informative blogs on Healthy Tips4us or check out the best IVF hospitals in India for trusted medical guidance.