FSH Blood Test | London Blood Tests UK

Check fertility and hormone balance with our FSH blood test from £38. UKAS-accredited results, fast turnaround, and optional GP consultation available.

The Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Blood Test measures FSH levels to assess fertility, ovarian and testicular function, and overall hormonal balance. Available for £38, analysed in a UKAS-accredited laboratory, with results typically ready within 2–3 business days and an optional GP consultation for expert interpretation.

What is a Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Test?

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a key reproductive hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It plays a central role in regulating the menstrual cycle in women and sperm production in men.

In women, FSH stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles and supports oestrogen production. In men, it acts on the testes to promote spermatogenesis by stimulating Sertoli cells. Because FSH secretion is regulated by a feedback loop involving the ovaries or testes, abnormal levels can indicate dysfunction at the level of the pituitary gland, ovaries, or testes.

The FSH Blood Test is widely used in fertility assessments, menopause evaluation, and investigation of hormonal disorders. It is often ordered alongside LH (Luteinising Hormone), oestradiol, testosterone, and prolactin to build a complete reproductive hormone profile.

Benefits of the FSH Blood Test

1. Evaluates Female Fertility Potential
   Elevated FSH levels can indicate reduced ovarian reserve or ovarian insufficiency, making this test a cornerstone of fertility investigations.

2. Supports Male Fertility Assessment
   Low or high FSH levels may suggest impaired sperm production or testicular dysfunction, helping guide further semen analysis or endocrine testing.

3. Helps Diagnose Menopause and Perimenopause
   Persistently high FSH levels are a biochemical hallmark of menopause and help confirm menopausal status when symptoms are unclear.

4. Identifies Pituitary or Gonadal Disorders
   Abnormal FSH levels may point to pituitary dysfunction, primary ovarian failure, or testicular failure, prompting further endocrine investigation.

5. Useful in Puberty Assessment
   FSH testing helps evaluate delayed or precocious puberty by assessing pituitary–gonadal axis activity.

6. Monitors Hormonal Therapy
   Useful for monitoring hormone replacement therapy (HRT), fertility treatments, or testosterone therapy.

7. Optional GP Consultation for Interpretation
   Results can be reviewed with a GP to explain hormonal patterns, fertility implications, and next steps in testing or treatment.

Why Do I Need an FSH Blood Test?

You may benefit from an FSH test if you experience symptoms or clinical concerns such as:

• Difficulty conceiving or infertility

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles

• Hot flushes, night sweats, or other menopausal symptoms

• Early menopause or suspected ovarian failure

• Low sperm count or male infertility

• Delayed or early puberty

• Reduced libido or hormonal imbalance symptoms

FSH testing is particularly valuable when combined with other reproductive hormones to identify whether fertility or hormonal issues originate from the ovaries/testes or the pituitary gland.

How the Test Works

In-Clinic Blood Test

1. Book Your Appointment

   • Book online or by phone with no referral required.

   • Women may be advised to test on day 2–5 of the menstrual cycle for fertility assessment.

2. Pre-Test Preparation

   • No fasting required.

   • Inform the clinician about hormonal medications, contraception, or fertility treatments.

3. Blood Sample Collection

   • A trained phlebotomist takes a small venous blood sample from your arm.

   • The procedure takes around 5–10 minutes.

4. Sample Handling

   • The sample is labelled and transported under controlled conditions to a UKAS-accredited laboratory.

5. Laboratory Analysis

   • FSH is measured using high-sensitivity immunoassay techniques.

6. Quality Control

   • Internal calibration and verification ensure analytical accuracy.

7. Results Delivery

   • Results are usually available within 2–3 business days via your secure online portal.

8. Optional GP Consultation

   • A GP can interpret your results in the context of fertility, menopause, or endocrine health.

At-Home Blood Draw (Home or Hotel Service)

1. Book a Home Visit

   • Choose a convenient time and location (home, hotel, office).

2. Professional Phlebotomist Visit

   • A certified phlebotomist attends your location with sterile equipment.

3. Blood Collection

   • A venous blood sample is collected just like in clinic.

4. Secure Courier Transport

   • Samples are transported the same day to the laboratory.

5. Laboratory Testing

   • FSH levels are analysed under UKAS-accredited standards.

6. Results & Follow-Up

   • Receive results within 2–3 business days.

   • Optional GP review available.

Your FSH Test Results – Explained

FSH levels are reported in IU/L and vary significantly by sex, age, and menstrual cycle phase.

Typical Reference Ranges (UK Standards)

Women

• Follicular phase: 3–10 IU/L

• Mid-cycle peak: 5–20 IU/L

• Luteal phase: 1–9 IU/L

• Post-menopause: 25–135 IU/L

Men

• Adult males: 1.5–12 IU/L

Interpretation

• High FSH
  May indicate ovarian insufficiency, menopause, or primary testicular failure.

• Low FSH
  May suggest pituitary dysfunction, hypothalamic disorders, or suppression due to hormone therapy.

• Normal FSH
  Suggests normal pituitary–gonadal axis function, though fertility depends on multiple factors.

Results should always be interpreted alongside LH, oestradiol, testosterone, and clinical history.