FSH Levels in Women: What’s Normal? (+ FSH Levels Chart)

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a type of sex hormone that works alongside luteinizing hormone (LH) to regulate key reproductive processes in both women and men. 

In women, FSH helps to stimulate the development of ovarian follicles, which eventually go on to release an egg during ovulation. Later in life, FSH levels gradually increase

Later in life, FSH levels gradually increase, and testing FSH levels can help in diagnosing perimenopause and menopause. 

To help you better understand how this hormone works and what levels you can expect it to be throughout your menstrual cycle and beyond, here’s a closer look at what FSH is, what it does, and what’s considered “normal” FSH levels. We’ll also cover what it may mean if your FSH levels are too high or too low, and how you can have your FSH levels tested. 

While FSH is produced by both men and women, please note that this article focuses primarily on the role that FSH plays in the female reproductive process.  

Key Takeaways

• In women, FSH is responsible for stimulating the early development of ovarian follicles, which go on to release an egg during ovulation. 
• As estrogen levels decrease during perimenopause and menopause, this causes FSH levels to increase later in life. This is due to the inhibitory effect that estrogen has on FSH. 
• ‘Normal’ FSH levels typically measure between 4.7-21.5 mIU/mL during an individual’s reproductive years and 25.8-134.8 mIU/mL after menopause.
• Certain medical conditions, such as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism can cause FSH levels to become out of balance. This hormone imbalance can then lead to health and fertility challenges. 

FSH Levels and Reproductive Health 

FSH and women

In women, FSH stimulates the premature or “primordial” ovarian follicle during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. This follicle contains a developing egg, and as it develops, FSH helps to initiate its production of estrogen. This influx of estrogen not only helps the follicle continue to develop, but it also helps to thicken the uterine lining. When estrogen levels reach a certain point, they then suppress the production of FSH (along with another hormone, inhibin B) to ensure that only one egg is developed per menstrual cycle. 

Midway through the cycle, a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) helps the follicle release the egg – which is called ovulation. After the egg is released, the remaining cluster of cells then forms the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum then continues to produce both estrogen and progesterone. Together, these hormones help to support the implantation process and early pregnancy. Without FSH, the early development of ovarian follicles would not be possible.

 

On average, FSH levels are much higher in female individuals compared to males, with blood levels typically measuring between 0-4.0 mIU/mL before puberty, 0.3 to 10.0 mIU/mL during puberty, 4.7 to 21.5 mIU/mL during menstruating years, and 25.8 to 134.8 mIU/mL after menopause.

FSH and men

In men, FSH helps to regulate testicular development, sperm production, and sperm maturation. When FSH levels are disrupted, this can lead to an overall hormone imbalance and may cause infertility. 

FSH levels vary over the course of an individual’s life, with blood levels typically measuring between 0-5.0 mIU/mL before puberty, 0.3 to 10.0 mIU/mL during puberty, and 1.5 to 12.4 mIU/mL after puberty. 

FSH Levels By Age and Menstrual Cycle Stage

The following FSH level ranges (in women) are based on blood testing guidelines from the University of Rochester Medical Center and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Please note that recommended ranges may vary slightly depending on the laboratory. 

Typical FSH Levels in Women
Age	FSH Levels (mIU/mL)
Before puberty	0-4.0
During puberty	0.3-10.0
Reproductive years	4.7 to 21.5
Follicular Phase	1.4-9.9
Luteal Phase	1.1-9.2
Ovulation	6.2-17.2
Pregnancy	0-0.1
Perimenopause	1.4-30
After menopause	25.8-134.8

Before puberty (age 0-11)

FSH levels are at their very lowest before puberty, with typical levels ranging from 0-4.0 mIU/mL. 

During puberty (age 11-14)

As the body develops into puberty, average FSH levels rise (alongside other sex hormones such as estrogen), with typical FSH levels ranging from 0.3-10.0 mIU/mL. 

Reproductive years (age 14-40s)

Among individuals of reproductive age, FSH levels typically range between 1.4-9.9 mIU/mL during the follicular phase and 1.1-9.2 mIU/mL during the luteal phase. 

During the follicular phase, FSH helps to stimulate the development of the ovarian follicle, so that it can eventually develop an egg and ovulate. During ovulation, FSH levels can range between 6.2-17.2 mIU/mL. At this time, both FSH and LH levels are at their peak and this spike in hormones causes the egg to be released (ovulation). 

During the luteal phase, FSH levels drop slightly but continue to stimulate the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone. FSH then tends to rise 2-3 days before the start of the next cycle to help recruit the next group of follicles. 

During pregnancy, all processes related to ovulation stop, and FSH levels should remain low throughout the entire pregnancy. One study found that among pregnant women, FSH levels fall to a maximum of 0.1 mIU/mL as early as 26-30 days post-ovulation. 

Perimenopause (age 40-50s)

During the transition to menopause (perimenopause), FSH levels can vary greatly. Therefore, it’s normal to see FSH levels anywhere between 1.4 mIU/mL to over 30 mIU/mL. However, when FSH levels test above 30 mIU/mL for at least two months in a row, it is typically accepted that menopause has been reached. 

After menopause (age 50+)

During menopause, FSH levels can range from 19-100+ mIU/mL. This is because as women age, the number of follicles containing eggs at the beginning of the menstrual cycle (also called the ovarian reserve) gradually declines and eventually falls to zero. 

With fewer follicles available, estrogen levels drop. Because estrogen tells the body to stop producing FSH, a drop in estrogen causes FSH levels to increase.

High FSH Levels: Causes and Implications 

Menopause

As individuals reach their 40s or 50s, high FSH levels may be a sign of perimenopause. Typically, doctors say that menopause has been reached if FSH levels consistently test over 30 mIU/mL for a period of time. 

If you are curious about how far away you may be from menopause, you can get tested from the comfort of your own home. With Mira’s Panorama Fertility Lab Test, you can test for AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) – a hormone that can help to estimate how far you are from menopause and provide insights into your ovarian reserve.

Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

Another condition that may cause FSH levels to be higher than average is Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). This condition occurs in women under the age of 40 and causes the ovaries to stop functioning properly. Symptoms of POI include irregular menstrual periods, difficultщy with getting pregnant, and experiencing common symptoms of menopause. 

To treat POI, doctors may recommend hormone replacement therapy. If you have POI and are trying to conceive, you may want to consider fertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF). 

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is another condition that is associated with high FSH levels. In women, this condition occurs when the ovaries do not produce enough sex hormones due to pituitary gland dysfunctions. This in turn disrupts sexual development and may lead to infertility in adults. 

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been linked to higher levels of FSH and LH. PCOS is a hormone disorder that affects an estimated 8-13% of women. Although it is one of the most common causes of infertility, there are many treatments available including medication and lifestyle changes. 

To learn more about how Mira helps women with PCOS get pregnant, visit How Mira Works: PCOS. 

Low FSH Levels: Understanding the Causes 

Hypopituitarism

Low FSH levels are not common and may indicate that there is a problem with your pituitary gland. For example, hypopituitarism is a rare condition that prevents your body from making enough hormones, which can result in low levels of FSH. 

Symptoms of hypopituitarism include hot flashes, sensitivity to heat and cold, decreased muscle mass, fatigue, anemia, and weight fluctuations. To diagnose hypopituitarism, your doctor will want to check your hormone levels with a blood test. This may be followed by an MRI of your pituitary gland.

Being underweight

In addition to hypopituitarism, being underweight can also disrupt your hormones. If you are struggling to maintain a healthy weight, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor about strategies for gaining weight safely.

Hormone imbalance

In general, if your hormones are out of balance, it’s possible for FSH levels to be too low. Other common symptoms of hormone imbalance include irregular/missed periods, acne, hair loss, hirsutism, unexplained weight gain, and difficulty getting pregnant. In some cases, hormone imbalance can be managed by making lifestyle changes. 

If you suspect that your hormones are out of balance, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor so that they can help you identify the underlying cause.

Testing for FSH Levels 

Please note: the best time to have an FSH test is on the third day of your menstrual cycle, with day 1 being the first day of your period.

Testing at home

When it comes to testing for FSH at home, there are a few different options. The first option is to take a basic FSH urine test. This type of test is available at drugstores and supermarkets (often marketed as ‘Menopause Test Kits’), and it looks similar to a standard pregnancy test. If FSH levels are high enough to meet the threshold for menopause, the test will display a ‘positive’ result, meaning you may be in perimenopause/menopause. 

Another option is to test your FSH levels in urine directly with Mira’s Ovum Wands. Working together with the Mira Analyzer, you can receive your exact numeric results and track your unique FSH levels over time. Pro tip: Combine FSH testing with LH, E3G, and PdG testing to see how your hormones interact and fluctuate in real time. Learn more by checking out the Mira Fertility Max Kit. 

In addition to urine tests, there are also at-home blood test kits that can be ordered online and then mailed to a laboratory. 

At the doctor

You can also have your FSH levels tested at your doctor’s office. This typically involves a nurse withdrawing a small amount of blood and then sending it to an external lab to be tested. Within a few days, your doctor will give you a call to discuss your results and next steps. 

While precise, this FSH testing method can be expensive and hard to do regularly given the scheduling requirements.

Final Thoughts 

FSH plays such a valuable role in our reproductive health. Whether you’re approaching menopause, struggling to conceive, or just curious about your hormone health in general, having your FSH levels tested can help you better understand what’s going on inside your body. 

If you need extra support assessing your FSH levels and/or navigating the world of perimenopause, a Mira Hormone Health Coach can help! Our experienced coaches offer a supportive place for you to vent, ask questions, and receive personalized advice for your individual situation. 

Frequently Asked Questions