FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) blood test
Quick answer: An FSH test measures follicle-stimulating hormone, which the pituitary gland releases to drive egg development in women and sperm production in men. Doctors order it to check ovarian reserve, irregular periods, menopause, and low sperm counts.
- SampleBlood
- TakesAbout 5 minutes
- Before the testWomen are usually tested on day 2 or 3 of the period unless your doctor says otherwise.
- In fertility careA raised day-2 or day-3 FSH can suggest lower ovarian reserve, and in men it helps find the cause of low sperm count.
How the test is done
- 1Women usually come on day 2 or 3 of the period
- 2The skin over a vein is cleaned
- 3A needle draws blood into a tube
- 4The lab measures FSH, often with LH and estradiol
What your results can mean
Reading your report
Hormone ranges differ between labs and by age, sex and cycle day, so discuss your result with your doctor.
If the result is outside the usual range
A high level in women can be seen with low ovarian reserve or menopause, and in men with reduced sperm production. A low level can be seen with pituitary or hypothalamus problems, very low body weight or hard exercise.
Who usually has this test
Women with irregular periods, suspected menopause or planning IVF, and men with a low sperm count.
Risks and aftercare
Nothing special is needed afterwards apart from pressing on the needle site.
Names and options
Also called: FSH, follicle stimulating hormone, day 3 FSH
Listed by the hospital as
- FSH (FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE), SERUM
Where this test fits in fertility care
- 1Fertility work-upThis test
- 2Screening before IVF or IUI
- 3During treatment
- 4After embryo transfer
- 5Pregnancy check-ups
- 6If treatment has not worked
The usual order. See every test at each stage →
Questions about this test
Why is FSH tested on day 2 or 3 of the period?
FSH changes through the cycle, and early-cycle values are the standard used to judge ovarian reserve. Testing on another day can be hard to interpret. Your doctor may test on other days for other reasons.
What does a high FSH mean for fertility?
In women, a high early-cycle FSH can mean the ovaries have fewer eggs left. It does not mean pregnancy is impossible, and doctors usually read it with AMH and an antral follicle count.
Does FSH change from month to month?
Yes. FSH can vary between cycles, so one result is not the whole story. Doctors often look at AMH and an antral follicle scan too.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
Get directions ↗IVF Pulse fertility care at Tamara Hospital →
Reception
Waiting area
IVF lab
This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.