Key Takeaways
- FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinising hormone) are pituitary hormones that control the ovaries and testes.
- For fertility, they are usually tested on day 2 to 5 of the cycle, often with estradiol.
- A raised early-cycle FSH can suggest reduced ovarian reserve; AMH is a more stable marker and is often tested alongside.
- A high LH-to-FSH ratio is common in PCOS but is not part of the diagnostic criteria.
- At DCDC, FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone and prolactin are AED 149 each; the female hormone panel is AED 499.
FSH and LH tests are among the most common hormone blood tests in women's health and fertility care. They help explain irregular periods, difficulty conceiving, suspected PCOS and symptoms around menopause, and they are also used in men with low testosterone or abnormal semen results. The numbers only make sense in context: the day of your cycle, your age, any hormonal medication and the other hormones measured at the same time. This guide explains when to book, how to read your results and what testing costs through DCDC's hormone testing service.
What FSH and LH do
Both hormones are released by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. In women, FSH stimulates follicles in the ovaries to grow, and LH rises sharply mid-cycle (the LH surge) to trigger ovulation. In men, FSH supports sperm production and LH stimulates the testes to make testosterone. The ovaries and testes send feedback signals back to the pituitary, which is why FSH and LH rise when the ovaries or testes are not responding normally.
When to test FSH and LH
| Purpose | Best timing | Usually tested with |
|---|---|---|
| Fertility / ovarian reserve | Day 2 to 5 of the cycle (day 1 = first day of full bleeding) | Estradiol, AMH, TSH, prolactin |
| Confirming ovulation | Not FSH/LH. Progesterone about 7 days before the expected period (day 21 of a 28-day cycle) | Progesterone |
| Irregular or absent periods | Any day if periods are absent; otherwise early cycle | Prolactin, TSH, testosterone, beta-hCG |
| Suspected PCOS | Early cycle if periods occur | Testosterone, AMH, glucose or HbA1c, lipids |
| Menopause under 45, or premature ovarian insufficiency | Two samples 4 to 6 weeks apart | Estradiol |
| Men: low testosterone or abnormal semen analysis | Morning sample | Testosterone, prolactin |
Timing guide. Your clinician may choose a different day based on your history.
Hormonal contraception, HRT and fertility medication suppress or change FSH and LH, so results taken while using them are difficult to interpret. Tell the clinician about all medicines before testing.
FSH and LH normal ranges
Reference ranges differ between laboratories and assays, so always compare your result with the range printed on your own report. As a general guide in IU/L:
| Group | FSH (IU/L) | LH (IU/L) |
|---|---|---|
| Women, early follicular phase (day 2-5) | About 3 to 10 | About 2 to 10 |
| Women, mid-cycle surge | Rises, about 4 to 25 | Rises sharply, often 20 to 80+ |
| Women after menopause | Usually above 25 to 30, often much higher | Raised |
| Adult men | About 1.5 to 12 | About 1.5 to 9 |
Approximate adult values for orientation only. Use the reference range on your laboratory report.
What high or low results can mean
- High early-cycle FSH in women: can suggest reduced ovarian reserve. A day-3 FSH above about 10 IU/L is often flagged in fertility clinics, but FSH varies from cycle to cycle, so one result is not decisive. AMH and an antral follicle count scan are usually more informative.
- Normal FSH with high estradiol on day 3: a high estradiol can push FSH down and mask reduced reserve, which is why the two are measured together.
- LH higher than FSH: an LH:FSH ratio above 2 is seen in many women with PCOS, but many others with PCOS have a normal ratio. The 2023 international PCOS guideline diagnoses PCOS from irregular cycles, signs of high androgens, and ovarian ultrasound or AMH, not the ratio.
- Very high FSH and LH with absent periods under 40: may indicate premature ovarian insufficiency and needs repeat testing and specialist review.
- Low FSH and LH: can occur with low body weight, intense exercise, high prolactin, stress or pituitary conditions.
- In men: high FSH with a low sperm count can point to a problem in the testes; low FSH and LH with low testosterone suggests a pituitary or hypothalamic cause.
FSH and menopause: when the test helps
Many women ask for an FSH test to "confirm menopause". UK NICE guidance advises that women over 45 with typical symptoms can usually be diagnosed without blood tests, because FSH fluctuates widely during perimenopause and a single result can be misleading. FSH testing is more useful for women under 45, and especially under 40, with symptoms or absent periods. Our perimenopause vs menopause guide explains the difference.
FSH, LH and estradiol test prices in Dubai
| Test at DCDC | Price (AED) |
|---|---|
| FSH | 149 |
| LH | 149 |
| Estradiol | 149 |
| Progesterone | 149 |
| Prolactin | 149 |
| Female hormone panel | 499 |
| Fertility package (Hers) | 349 |
| Home sample collection (added per visit) | 199 |
Prices from DCDC's current laboratory and package rates.
If you are investigating fertility, a package is often simpler than building a list of individual tests. See the female fertility package, and our AMH test guide for the ovarian reserve marker most clinics now rely on.
What to Expect at DCDC
- Plan the day: if you need a day 2-5 sample, contact us on day 1 of your period so we can book the right day. The laboratory is open seven days a week.
- Preparation: fasting is not needed for FSH and LH. A morning sample is preferred if prolactin or testosterone is included.
- Blood draw: a single tube covers several hormones.
- Results: hormone results are usually reported within 24 to 48 hours. Your clinician interprets them with your cycle history.
- Follow-up: our gynaecology and fertility teams can review the results and plan any scans or further tests.
Book FSH and LH testing
AED 149 per hormone, or the female hormone panel at AED 499. Message us on day 1 of your cycle to book a day 2-5 sample.
Call +971 54 219 5008 or WhatsApp 971509703884. Building 64, Block A, Al Razi Medical Complex, Dubai Healthcare City.
Related Services at DCDC
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Frequently Asked Questions
Timing turns a number into an answer
FSH and LH results are only meaningful when the cycle day, age and medication are known. Booking on the right day and testing the right companion hormones avoids repeat visits and confusing results.
Bring previous results to your appointment: a trend across several cycles is often more useful than any single value.
Sources & References
This article references the following sources:
- NICE CG156 - Fertility problems: assessment and treatment
- NICE NG23 - Menopause: identification and management
- International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of PCOS 2023 (Monash University)
- MedlinePlus - Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH) Levels Test
- MedlinePlus - Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Levels Test
This information is educational and does not replace individual medical advice. See our editorial policy for more information.
Written by
DCDC Editorial Team
Patient education
Patient information from Doctors Clinic Diagnostic Center in Dubai Healthcare City, based on the medical references listed with this article. This guide supports discussion with your clinician and does not provide an individual diagnosis.
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