FSH & LH Levels Test

What is follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)?

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)¹ and luteinizing hormone (LH)² work together to regulate sex hormone production and the menstrual cycle.

FSH stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Follicles are sacs containing immature eggs. Any one of these follicles matures. The luteinizing hormone (LH) surges at this point, resulting in ovulation, and the mature egg is released for potential fertilization.

Apart from that, FSH influences estrogen production while LH impacts progesterone production in the body.

The production of LH and FSH requires the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and reproductive glands (ovaries) to function in cohesion.

Glands	Function
Pituitary gland	Makes FSH and LH
Hypothalamus	Controls the amount of FSH and LH made
Reproductive glands (ovaries)	Regulate the timing of FSH and LH release and decline during the menstrual cycle

Who needs an FSH and LH levels test?

You may need an FSH and LH test if you are facing any of the following symptoms of menstrual or fertility issues:

• You are having irregular periods

• Your periods have stopped

• You are unable to conceive

• You are having menopause symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, and night sweats before age of 40-45 years

• Your sex drive has declined along with symptoms such as fatigue and weight loss

What are the normal levels of FSH and LH?

During the reproductive years, FSH typically ranges from 2.59 to 15.12 mIU/mL and LH ranges from 2.75 to 20.68 mIU/mL in a regular menstrual cycle.³

Note: Levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) vary across the menstrual cycle. FSH is highest during the follicular phase, while LH is highest just before ovulation. Hence, when reading the results, consider the menstrual cycle phase you were in during the FSH and LH blood test.

What do the FSH and LH hormone test results mean?

Abnormal levels of FSH and LH usually indicate issues with the glands involved in FSH production and regulation.

What low FSH levels may mean	What high FSH levels may mean
Issues with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus causing improper hormone production (may happen due to physical stress or genetic disorders)	Issues with the ovaries causing improper hormone production (may happen due to genetic disorders) Benign tumors in the pituitary gland that increase FSH production

What low LH levels may mean	What high LH levels may mean
Issues with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus causing improper hormone production (may happen due to physical stress or genetic disorders)	Issues with the ovaries causing improper hormone production (may happen due to genetic disorders) Menopause Early or premature menopause

In addition to the conditions mentioned above, PCOS is also closely linked to the hormones FSH and LH. In PCOS, these hormones are within the normal range, but the ratio between the two gets altered. So, usually, the LH: FSH ratio is 1:1, but in PCOS, it often reverses to 2:1.⁴

How much does an FSH and LH test cost?

In India, the price of an FSH and LH hormones test ranges between ₹540 and ₹2,775.

Note: The price of the test may vary depending on your location and the lab you choose.

References

1. Orlowski M, Sarao MS. Physiology, Follicle Stimulating Hormone.

2. Nedresky D, Singh G. Physiology, Luteinizing Hormone.

3. Ganie MA, Chowdhury S, Suri V, Joshi B, Bhattacharya PK, Agrawal S, Malhotra N, Sahay R, Jabbar PK, Nair A, Rozati R. Normative range of various serum hormonal parameters among Indian women of reproductive age: ICMR-PCOS task force study outcome. The Lancet Regional Health-Southeast Asia. 2023 Aug 1;15.

4. Saadia Z. Follicle stimulating hormone (LH: FSH) ratio in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-obese vs. non-obese women. Medical Archives. 2020 Aug;74(4):289.