What Are the Normal Values of FSH?

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plays a vital role in fertility for both women and men:

  • In women, FSH stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.
  • In men, the FSH regulates sperm production and development.

Measuring FSH levels is a key diagnostic test when fertility issues are present.

Generally, elevated FSH levels indicate reproductive organ problems (ovaries or testicles) such as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the onset of menopause, testicular damage, or germ cell tumours. On the other hand, low FSH levels are associated with problems in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.

Normal FSH levels vary by age and sex. In men, normal values during adulthood range from 1,5 to 12,4 mIU/mL. In women, FSH values depend not only on age but also on the phase of the menstrual cycle. For an accurate measurement, the test should be conducted between days 2 and 5 of the cycle, and levels should not exceed 10 mIU/mL in women with good ovarian reserve. FSH levels should always be interpreted in conjunction with estradiol levels, as there is a correlation between the two.

FSH is an essential parameter in diagnosing infertility and planning assisted reproduction treatments.
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