What Do LH and FSH Test Results Mean?

Q: I am being tested for irregular periods, they are assuming i have pcos. Everything has come back normal but the test didn’t give me a standard range for three LH and FSH test which are LH: 11 & FSH: 2.5 … I am 22yrs old and instead of me not getting periods i get really long periods and bleeding in between. I have been trying to conceive with my husband for 2 years and nothing has happened…. does anyone know the levels of these 2 test?

A: FSH stands for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This hormone is released by the anterior pituitary gland.In women, FSH stimulates production of eggs and a hormone called estradiol during the first half of the menstrual cycle.The FSH test is usually done to help diagnose problems with sexual development, menstruation, and fertility. 

FSH Blood Test Normal Ranges

  • Before puberty: 0 – 4.0 mIU/ml
  • During puberty: 0.3 – 10.0 mIU/ml
  • Women who are menstruating: 4.7 – 21.5 mIU/ml
  • Postmenopausal: 25.8 – 134.8 mIU/ml

So you have a low FSH.

The LH blood test measures the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH). LH is a hormone released by the pituitary gland. In women, an increase in LH levels at mid-cycle causes ovulation.

The normal LH level for an adult female is 5 to 25 IU/L. Levels peak around the middle of the menstrual cycle.
So your LH is normal. Your doctor will tell you if anything is wrong. 

Causes of a low FSH

  • Hypopituitarism
  • Klinefelter syndrome
  • Polycystic ovary disease
  • Turner syndrome
  • Ovarian failure (ovarian hypofunction)
  • Ovarian or adrenal cancers
  • Precocious puberty in girls and boys
  • Anorexia

The meaning of borderline FSH blood test

A customer asked me one question yesterday, it was: I recently had a blood test to line out any problems, well i got a letter yesterday saying one of my tests were borderline. I rang to see which one this was, the lady told me it was my FSH. I didn’t know what it was, i googled it and all i got was stuff i didn’t really want to read :S so i was wondering if someone can help me out here thanks, I’m 18 and kinda worried, and not had a period for nearly 2 months this is unusual for me.

Q:  Usually you have a batch of hormone tests, LH, Progesterone test, Oestrodial etc if you have period problems.

Good luck and I hope you are able to conceive! If you have any questions I will monitor the question!

Dr.Megan Ralf

A Medical laboratory Scientist who devoted his life to medical and laboratory sciences, writes his everyday expertise dealing with various pathological conditions through laboratory diagnosis of different body fluids, also participating in many workshops for first aids, infection control, and urgent care. Also Dr Megan Ralf coaching many medical teams.

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