Book FSH Test: Purpose, Normal Range and Price

The FSH test is a blood test that measures the level of Follicle Stimulating Hormone, a gonadotropin hormone produced and released by the anterior pituitary gland in the brain. FSH plays a central role in the reproductive system of both men and women. In women, FSH stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles each month, triggering oestrogen production and preparing the egg for ovulation. In men, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells of the testes to stimulate and maintain sperm production. FSH levels fluctuate significantly throughout a woman's menstrual cycle and decline sharply at menopause as the ovaries lose their ability to respond to hormonal stimulation, causing the pituitary to produce increasing amounts of FSH in an attempt to drive ovarian function. This rise in FSH is the biochemical hallmark of menopause and diminished ovarian reserve. In India, where infertility affects an estimated 10 to 15% of couples and awareness of hormonal causes is growing, FSH testing is an essential component of fertility evaluation for both men and women. It is also critical in diagnosing disorders of puberty, evaluating unexplained amenorrhoea, and investigating pituitary dysfunction. The test involves a simple blood draw completed in under five minutes.

Doctors prescribe an FSH test in the following situations: Evaluating female infertility and ovarian reserve in women who are having difficulty conceiving, where FSH on day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle provides a direct assessment of remaining egg supply and ovarian responsiveness. Investigating irregular or absent menstrual periods in women of reproductive age where FSH helps distinguish between ovarian failure, hypothalamic dysfunction, and pituitary causes of menstrual irregularity. Diagnosing menopause and perimenopause in women with symptoms of hot flushes, night sweats, and irregular periods where an elevated FSH alongside low oestradiol confirms ovarian failure and guides hormone replacement therapy decisions. Evaluating polycystic ovary syndrome alongside LH, where a raised LH to FSH ratio is a characteristic hormonal pattern supporting the diagnosis in women with irregular cycles and features of androgen excess. Investigating delayed or precocious puberty in children and adolescents where FSH levels help determine whether pubertal development is progressing appropriately and whether the cause is central or peripheral. Diagnosing male infertility and evaluating poor sperm parameters where elevated FSH indicates primary testicular failure with impaired sperm production, while low FSH points toward a pituitary or hypothalamic cause. Assessing pituitary gland function in patients with suspected pituitary tumours, pituitary insufficiency, or hyperprolactinaemia where FSH is part of a complete anterior pituitary hormone evaluation.

The FSH test measures the concentration of Follicle Stimulating Hormone in the blood, reported in international units per litre (IU/L) or milli-international units per millilitre (mIU/mL), which are equivalent units. Normal FSH Range in India FSH levels vary significantly by sex, age, and phase of the menstrual cycle in women. The standard reference ranges used across most Indian diagnostic laboratories are as follows. In adult women, normal FSH levels are 3 to 10 IU/L in the follicular phase, 4 to 25 IU/L around ovulation, and 2 to 8 IU/L in the luteal phase. In postmenopausal women, FSH rises significantly to between 25 and 135 IU/L. In adult men, normal FSH levels are between 1.5 and 12.4 IU/L. Interpreting FSH Results An elevated FSH in a woman of reproductive age, particularly above 10 IU/L on day 2 or 3 of the cycle, suggests diminished ovarian reserve and reduced fertility potential. FSH above 25 IU/L in a woman below 40 years raises concern for premature ovarian insufficiency requiring specialist evaluation. A low FSH in both men and women alongside low LH suggests hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, pointing toward a pituitary or hypothalamic cause of reproductive dysfunction rather than a primary gonadal problem. An elevated FSH in men above 12 IU/L alongside poor semen parameters confirms primary testicular failure and significantly impacts fertility treatment planning.

In women, the FSH test is ideally performed on day 2 or day 3 of the menstrual cycle for the most clinically meaningful assessment of ovarian reserve. If FSH is being tested for menopause confirmation or pituitary evaluation, it can be collected on any day. Our team confirms preparation requirements and timing at the time of booking. Fasting is not strictly required for FSH testing alone. If FSH is part of a broader hormonal panel that includes fasting parameters, fast as advised by your doctor. Inform the phlebotomist about all medications and hormonal therapies you are currently taking. Oral contraceptive pills, hormone replacement therapy, clomiphene, and gonadotropin injections directly suppress or stimulate FSH levels and must be disclosed for accurate interpretation. Inform your doctor if you have recently had any imaging procedures using radioactive isotopes as these can interfere with immunoassay hormone measurements. Stay normally hydrated before sample collection.

If you are booking through the SecondMedic platform the FSH test price starts at approximately Rs. 540. The exact price will be confirmed at the time of booking through SecondMedic. If your doctor has prescribed multiple tests alongside FSH, SecondMedic health packages include FSH as part of a broader fertility hormone or pituitary function panel at a significantly lower combined price.

SecondMedic provides home sample collection for FSH test across all major areas of India. You do not need to visit a lab or collection centre. A certified and trained phlebotomist comes to your home or workplace at your chosen time, collects the sample using sterile single-use equipment, and ensures it is transported to the NABL-accredited lab within the required time window for accurate processing. Please note that SecondMedic provides free home sample collection on all tests priced above Rs. 300. Our team will check your pincode and confirm if your address falls under our free sample collection eligibility criteria, which depends upon the lab location and phlebotomist availability. Home collection is available between 7 AM and 10 PM, seven days a week, including Sundays and public holidays. Enter your pincode on the booking page or call our helpline to confirm availability at your address.