FSH – what do your levels mean?
Have you had your FSH levels measured and are unsure what the numbers mean? Here's a clear explanation of the normal range, what a high or low level might indicate, and when it makes sense to get tested.
What is the normal range for FSH?
What is the normal range for FSH?
The normal range for FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) varies depending on age, sex, and physiological conditions. In fertile women, values typically range from 2.9-14.6 IU/L in the follicular phase, 4.7-23 IU/L in the ovulatory phase, and 1.4-8.9 IU/L in the luteal phase. After menopause, levels rise significantly to 16-130 IU/L. In men, the normal range is 2.0-12.5 IU/L, while children have lower values depending on age. Laboratory methods can affect reference intervals. Being close to the boundary values may indicate incipient hormonal changes or diseases and should be evaluated in a clinical context.
What does a low level mean?
A low FSH level can indicate problems in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, which are responsible for hormone regulation. This can lead to conditions such as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, where the gonads do not function normally. Common causes include severe stress, anorexia, pregnancy, or the use of birth control pills. Symptoms can include amenorrhea in women, decreased libido, or infertility. Particularly vulnerable groups include individuals with eating disorders or chronic illness. If a low FSH level is suspected, a doctor should be contacted for further examination and treatment.
What does a high level mean?
A high FSH level can be a sign of primary gonadal failure, where the gonads do not respond to hormonal stimulation. This is often seen in conditions such as Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, or after menopause. In women, it can lead to symptoms such as irregular menstruation or infertility, while men may experience reduced sperm quality. Other causes can be genetic mutations or damage to the gonads. It is recommended to consult a doctor for persistently elevated values to get an accurate diagnosis and possible treatment.
Get your FSH levels tested
At Celto, you can order an FSH blood test directly online – without a referral from your doctor and without long waiting times. We have over 34 sample collection sites at public hospitals throughout Denmark, and your samples are analyzed in the same accredited laboratories used by the rest of the healthcare system. You will receive your results directly on sundhed.dk, just like all other blood tests from the public system.
How it works
When you order a blood test from Celto, you choose which markers you want to be tested – no doctor's referral is necessary. After your purchase, you will receive an email with a link to our booking system, where you choose a time and location. The blood test itself is taken by authorized healthcare personnel and typically only takes a few minutes.
Where you can get tested
Celto has over 34 sample collection sites at public hospitals and clinics throughout Denmark. You choose the location that suits you best among our partners, and there are typically available appointments within a few days. Find your nearest sample collection site →
How to get your results
Your blood samples are analyzed in the same laboratories used by your own doctor and the rest of the healthcare system, with the exact same quality and the exact same tests. You will receive your results directly on sundhed.dk within a few business days, and Celto will also send an easy-to-understand review of your values so you know what the numbers mean.