FSH levels vary based on gender and age. They also vary depending on where a woman is in her monthly cycle. Each lab has a slightly different reference range. You should discuss your results with your doctor.
High FSH Levels
High FSH Levels in Women
If you’re a woman with high FSH levels, this may indicate:
- a loss of ovarian function, or ovarian failure
- menopause
- polycystic ovarian syndrome, which is a condition in which a woman’s hormones are out of balance, causing ovarian cysts
- a chromosomal abnormality, such as Turner’s syndrome that occurs when part or all of one of a woman’s X chromosomes is missing
An increase in FSH may also indicate a reduction in the production of good quality eggs and embryos for fertilization. A common reason for this is your age. As you age, your fertility starts to decline and fewer eggs mature in your ovaries. The quality of the eggs that remain is lower than during earlier years.
The FSH test may be used with other tests that look at the levels of luteinizing hormone, estradiol, and progesterone to determine a woman’s ovarian reserve. The term “ovarian reserve” refers to a woman’s age-related fertility potential. A high FSH level means your chances of becoming pregnant may be lower than expected for your age. This doesn’t mean you have no chance of conceiving, but you may have more difficulty and need infertility treatment.
High FSH Levels in Men
If you’re a man with high FSH values, this may indicate:
- Klinefelter’s syndrome, which is a rare condition in men caused by an extra X chromosome that can affect male development
- testicles that are absent or not functioning properly
- testicles that have been damaged by a disease such as alcohol dependence
- testicles that have been damaged by treatments such as X-rays or chemotherapy
High FSH Levels in Children
High FSH levels in children may mean that puberty is about to start.
Low FSH Levels
Low FSH values may indicate that:
- a woman isn’t producing eggs
- a man isn’t producing sperm
- the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, which are the hormone control centers in the brain, aren’t functioning properly
- a tumor is interfering with the brain’s ability to control the production of FSH
Stress and being severely underweight can affect FSH values.