FSH test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is made by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. In women it stimulates follicles in the ovaries to grow and mature an egg each cycle, and in men it supports sperm production in the testes. In women, FSH changes through the menstrual cycle and rises to much higher levels after the menopause, when the ovaries stop responding to it.

NICE menopause guidance (NG23) says an FSH test is not needed to diagnose perimenopause or menopause in women aged 45 or over who have typical symptoms. FSH is most useful in women aged 40 to 45 with symptoms and changes to their periods, in women under 40 where early menopause is suspected, and as part of a fertility assessment for women and men.

The price includes your sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You are under 45 and have menopause-type symptoms, such as hot flushes, together with changes to your periods.
• You are under 40 and your periods have become infrequent or stopped.
• You have irregular periods and are trying to conceive, as NICE fertility guidance recommends checking FSH and LH.
• You want a baseline hormone check before seeing a fertility clinic.
• You are a man with abnormal semen analysis results, where NICE suggests considering testosterone and gonadotrophin (FSH and LH) levels.

Understanding your result

FSH is reported in IU/L, and the expected range depends on the stage of your cycle. Ranges vary between laboratories, so always read the range printed on your report. As an example, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust gives 3.0 to 8.1 IU/L in the follicular phase, 2.6 to 16.7 IU/L at the mid-cycle peak, 1.4 to 5.5 IU/L in the luteal phase, 26.7 to 133.4 IU/L after the menopause, and 1.0 to 12.0 IU/L for adult men.

A single raised FSH does not confirm menopause. NICE advises that premature ovarian insufficiency in women under 40 is diagnosed from symptoms together with raised FSH on two blood samples taken 4 to 6 weeks apart, never on one test alone. In men, FSH is interpreted alongside testosterone, LH and semen analysis. Your practitioner will explain what your result means and when to involve your GP or a specialist.

Preparing for your test

If you have regular periods and are testing for fertility, NHS fertility services recommend taking the sample between day 2 and day 5 of your cycle, counting the first day of your period as day 1. If your periods are irregular or have stopped, your practitioner will advise on timing. Fasting is not usually needed. FSH is not a reliable guide to menopause if you use combined hormonal contraception or high-dose progestogen. If you take high-dose biotin (more than 5 mg a day), NHS laboratories advise taking the sample at least 8 hours after your last dose.

Our Hormone Health Check adds LH, oestradiol, progesterone, prolactin and testosterone, and our Fertility panels give a wider picture for anyone trying to conceive. Read FSH levels explained or compare every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is an FSH test in Chiswick?

The FSH Test costs £49 at our Chiswick clinic. This includes your blood sample, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner and a GP feedback report on request. No GP referral is needed.

Do I need an FSH test to confirm the menopause?

Not usually if you are 45 or over with typical symptoms. NICE advises that menopause can be identified from your symptoms and periods without blood tests at this age.

Which day of my cycle should I have an FSH test?

For a fertility baseline, between day 2 and day 5 of your cycle. For other reasons, your practitioner will advise on the best timing.

Can men have an FSH test?

Yes. FSH helps to assess sperm production and is often checked with testosterone and LH when semen analysis results are abnormal.