FSH (in women)

Routine annual

also —

What it isA pituitary hormone that stimulates ovarian follicles to grow. The brain raises FSH when ovarian reserve falls.

DoesDrives follicular development and estrogen production each cycle.

GoodLow day-3 FSH signals strong ovarian reserve and fertility.

BadRising FSH on day 3 signals approaching menopause and declining ovarian reserve. Sustained high FSH confirms menopause.

Standard

Day 3 follicular: 3–9 mIU/mL; postmenopause: 25–135.

Optimal

3–8 mIU/mL day 3 premenopausal (lower is good within range); 25–135 expected postmenopause

Modifiers

Timing within cycle critical premenopausally.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: Stress management; adequate calories; avoid extreme exercise.
Diet: Adequate calories, protein, healthy fats.
Supplements: CoQ10 (200–600mg/day for egg quality), vitamin D3, omega-3 EPA+DHA, melatonin (3mg at night).
Peptides: —
Drugs: Ovulation induction (clomiphene, letrozole) in fertility care.

within Women's Hormones