Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Endocrine & Reproductive

Normal Reference Ranges

Adult

Male: 1.5-12.4 | Female: Varies by phase (High in menopause) mIU/mL

Pediatric

Varies by age/Tanner stage mIU/mL

Clinical Significance

Secreted by the anterior pituitary. Stimulates ovarian follicle development in females and spermatogenesis in males.

Causes of High

  • Primary ovarian/testicular failure (Menopause, Klinefelter, Turner)
  • Pituitary adenoma

Causes of Low

  • Hypothalamic/Pituitary failure (Secondary hypogonadism)
  • Pregnancy
  • Exogenous steroids