FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) Test in Kolkata | Home Collection & NABL-Certified Results

Apollo Diagnostics | NABL-Certified Lab | No Fasting Required | Digital Reports on WhatsApp

What is an FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) Test?

The FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) test measures the concentration of a critical hormone released by the pituitary gland that regulates the reproductive system. In women, FSH is responsible for the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles during the first half of the menstrual cycle. In men, FSH acts on the testes to stimulate and sustain sperm production. An FSH test is a cornerstone of reproductive diagnostics — used to assess fertility, diagnose menstrual irregularities, evaluate ovarian reserve and confirm the onset of menopause.

Important: For women of reproductive age, timing is vital. The FSH test is most meaningful on Day 2 or Day 3 of the menstrual cycle for a baseline ovarian reserve assessment. No fasting is required. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the test as this can temporarily alter hormone levels. Inform your phlebotomist of any hormone medications or birth control you are taking.

Clinical Significance of FSH Testing

Because FSH directly controls the primary reproductive organs, its levels provide deep insight into hormonal health:

  • Ovarian Reserve Assessment — Determines the quantity and quality of a woman's remaining egg supply, vital for family planning and IVF decisions
  • Diagnosing Menopause — Consistently high FSH levels are a definitive biological marker that a woman has entered menopause or perimenopause
  • Male Fertility Evaluation — Investigates causes of low sperm count or testicular dysfunction by checking how well the testes respond to hormonal signals
  • Puberty Monitoring — Diagnoses precocious (early) or delayed puberty by checking if the pituitary has begun adult hormonal signaling
  • Pituitary Function — Identifies whether a reproductive issue originates in the ovaries or testes, or in the brain's hormonal control center

Normal FSH Reference Ranges

Phase / CategoryNormal FSH Range
Women – Follicular Phase (Day 2–3)3.0 – 10.0 IU/L
Women – Ovulation Peak4.7 – 21.5 IU/L
Women – Luteal Phase1.7 – 7.7 IU/L
Women – Post-menopausal25.8 – 134.8 IU/L
Adult Men1.5 – 12.4 IU/L
Prepubertal ChildrenBelow 2.0 IU/L

A Day 2–3 FSH above 10 IU/L suggests diminished ovarian reserve. Above 40 IU/L in a woman under 40 indicates premature ovarian insufficiency. Always interpret FSH alongside LH, AMH and Estradiol.

FSH and Ovarian Reserve — What It Means for Fertility

How to interpret FSH in the context of fertility:
  • FSH below 10 IU/L on Day 2–3 — Good ovarian reserve. Adequate egg quantity expected for natural conception or IVF.
  • FSH 10–15 IU/L on Day 2–3 — Borderline. Reduced ovarian reserve. IVF response may be lower. AMH should be checked.
  • FSH above 15 IU/L on Day 2–3 — Poor ovarian reserve. Lower IVF success rates. Specialist consultation recommended.
  • FSH above 40 IU/L in women under 40 — Suggests Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). Further investigation essential.
  • Note: AMH is now considered a more sensitive marker of ovarian reserve than FSH and is often ordered alongside it.

When is an FSH Test Recommended?

Your doctor may recommend an FSH test if you:

  • Are trying to conceive and want to assess your ovarian reserve
  • Have irregular, infrequent or absent menstrual periods
  • Are experiencing infertility — male or female
  • Are planning IVF and need a baseline fertility assessment
  • Have symptoms of early menopause (hot flushes, night sweats, irregular periods under age 45)
  • Have been diagnosed with or suspected of PCOS
  • Are a man with low sperm count or infertility
  • Are a child with early or delayed puberty
  • Have pituitary gland symptoms or a known pituitary tumor

What Conditions Does FSH Help Diagnose?

  • Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR)
  • Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
  • Menopause and perimenopause
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Male hypogonadism and azoospermia
  • Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (pituitary/hypothalamic cause)
  • Precocious or delayed puberty
  • Klinefelter syndrome in men
  • Pituitary adenoma

FSH Test Price in Kolkata

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) Test Price: ₹670
No fasting required  |  Day 2–3 timing critical for ovarian reserve  |  Free home collection above ₹2,000

Tests Commonly Ordered Alongside FSH

  • LH (Luteinizing Hormone) — always ordered alongside FSH to calculate the LH:FSH ratio and assess PCOS vs ovarian failure
  • AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) — the most sensitive marker of ovarian reserve, ordered alongside FSH for a complete picture
  • Estradiol (E2) — Day 2–3 estradiol completes the baseline fertility panel alongside FSH and LH
  • Prolactin — elevated prolactin suppresses FSH and can cause irregular cycles
  • Testosterone — ordered alongside FSH when PCOS or male hypogonadism is suspected
  • Thyroid Profile (TSH) — thyroid disorders can disrupt FSH and menstrual cycle regularity
  • Inhibin B — in men, helps assess spermatogenesis alongside FSH

Home Collection for FSH Test in Kolkata

Apollo Diagnostics provides home blood sample collection for FSH tests across North and Central Kolkata. Please mention the day of your menstrual cycle when booking so our team can confirm the optimal collection timing. Samples are processed using CLIA technology at our NABL-certified central laboratory.

  • Home collection available: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM Daily
  • No fasting required — book any time
  • Please mention cycle day when booking
  • Avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours before the test
  • Free home collection on orders above ₹2,000
  • Digital reports delivered to WhatsApp within 24 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the FSH test used for?
The FSH test measures Follicle Stimulating Hormone from the pituitary gland. It assesses ovarian reserve and fertility in women, evaluates sperm production in men, diagnoses menopause, PCOS and puberty disorders, and identifies whether reproductive problems originate in the ovaries or testes versus the pituitary gland.
Q2. What is the normal FSH level on Day 2 or Day 3?
A normal Day 2–3 FSH is 3.0–10.0 IU/L, indicating good ovarian reserve. FSH between 10–15 IU/L suggests borderline reduced reserve. Above 15 IU/L indicates poor ovarian reserve. Above 40 IU/L in a woman under 40 suggests Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. FSH should always be interpreted alongside AMH, LH and Estradiol.
Q3. Does the FSH test require fasting?
No. The FSH test does not require fasting. However cycle timing is critical — Day 2–3 is optimal for ovarian reserve assessment. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the test. Inform your doctor of any hormone medications or birth control you are taking as these affect FSH levels.
Q4. What is the FSH test price at Apollo Diagnostics Kolkata?
The FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) test price at Apollo Diagnostics is ₹670. We use CLIA technology for accurate hormonal measurement. Home collection is available free on orders above ₹2,000.
Q5. What does high FSH mean in women?
High FSH in women signals that the pituitary gland is working harder to stimulate the ovaries — indicating that the ovaries are less responsive, meaning diminished ovarian reserve. The higher the FSH, the fewer viable eggs remain. In women above 45 this is expected with menopause. In women under 40 it indicates Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and should be investigated urgently with a specialist.
Q6. What does high FSH mean in men?
High FSH in men indicates that the testes are not responding adequately to hormonal signals — suggesting primary testicular failure. This can cause low or absent sperm production (azoospermia or oligospermia). Low FSH with low testosterone in men suggests a pituitary or hypothalamic problem rather than a testicular problem — an important distinction that guides treatment.
Q7. What is the difference between FSH and AMH for ovarian reserve?
Both FSH and AMH assess ovarian reserve but in different ways. FSH rises as ovarian reserve declines — it is a measure of how hard the pituitary is working. AMH is produced directly by ovarian follicles and falls as the follicle pool decreases. AMH is considered more sensitive and consistent as it does not vary significantly throughout the cycle, while FSH fluctuates cycle-to-cycle. Most fertility specialists order both together.
Q8. Is home collection available for FSH test in Kolkata?
Yes. Apollo Diagnostics provides home blood sample collection for FSH tests across Dum Dum, South Dum Dum, Nagerbazar, Satgachi, Baguiati, Lake Town, Bangur, Kaikhali, Sealdah, Entally, Phoolbagan, Tangra and surrounding areas. Please mention your cycle day when booking. Book by calling or WhatsApping +91 8660434628.
Q9. How long does it take to get FSH test results?
FSH test results are typically available within 24 hours of sample collection. Reports are delivered digitally to your WhatsApp or email.
Q10. Which centre processes my FSH sample in Kolkata?
All samples collected across North and Central Kolkata are processed at Apollo Diagnostics Nagerbazar — Nandarani Apartment, 8A Narasingha Avenue, Nagerbazar, Dum Dum, Kolkata 700074. Our lab is NABL-certified and ISO-certified, using CLIA technology for hormone testing.

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