Reproductive & HormonesNo Fasting RequiredTurnaround: 12–24 hours

FSH, LH & Prolactin (Fertility & Pituitary Panel)

Also known as: Female Hormone Panel, Gonadotropins Test, Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Luteinizing Hormone, Ovulation Panel

Parameters Measured in the Report

A breakdown of individual biomarkers and biological reference intervals typically found in your report:

Biomarker	Standard Range	Unit	What It Means
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) (FSH)	Follicular Phase: 3.5–12.5 Mid-Cycle Peak: 4.7–21.5 Menopause: 25.8–134.8	mIU/mL	Pituitary hormone stimulating ovarian follicular development; high baseline indicates depleted egg reserve.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) (LH)	Follicular Phase: 2.4–12.6 Mid-Cycle Surge: 14.0–95.6 Menopause: 7.7–58.5	mIU/mL	Pituitary hormone triggering mature egg release (ovulation); elevated in PCOS.
Serum Prolactin (PRL)	Non-Pregnant Females: 4.8–23.3 Males: 4.0–15.2	ng/mL	Pituitary hormone regulating lactation; elevated levels inhibit normal ovulation and fertility.

* Note: Reference ranges may vary slightly between testing instruments and reagent kits. Always refer to the reference interval printed on your specific pathology report.

Clinical Focus

Anterior pituitary hormones governing ovarian follicle development, ovulation, and lactation.

Sample & Specimen

Venous blood (Serum tube)

Fasting Protocol

Drawn in the morning 2–3 hours after waking. For cycling females, Day 2 to Day 4 of the menstrual cycle is standard.

Turnaround Time

12–24 hours

What Is This Test?

The FSH, LH, and Prolactin panel assesses the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis that coordinates reproductive function. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) stimulates ovarian follicle growth and sperm production; Luteinizing Hormone (LH) triggers ovulation and stimulates Leydig cell testosterone production. Prolactin is the pituitary hormone responsible for milk production. Elevated prolactin suppresses gonadotropin secretion, causing absent periods and infertility. Evaluating these hormones on Day 2 to 4 of the menstrual cycle provides foundational insight into ovarian reserve and ovulatory disorders.

Why Did Your Doctor Order This Test?

Physicians routinely prescribe the FSH, LH & Prolactin in the following clinical scenarios:

Evaluation of irregular periods (oligomenorrhea), absent periods (amenorrhea), or unexplained female infertility

Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), classically accompanied by an elevated LH:FSH ratio (>2:1 or 3:1)

Assessing diminished ovarian reserve or perimenopausal transition in women experiencing hot flashes

Investigating galactorrhea (abnormal breast milk discharge) or suspected pituitary microadenoma (prolactinoma)

Evaluation of low sperm count, testicular failure, or delayed puberty in males

How to Prepare Before Your Test

Fasting Requirement: Drawn in the morning 2–3 hours after waking. For cycling females, Day 2 to Day 4 of the menstrual cycle is standard.

For menstruating females: Blood should be collected between Day 2 and Day 4 of the menstrual cycle (Day 1 being the first day of flow).
Drawn at least 2–3 hours after waking, as prolactin surges during sleep and drops after waking.
Avoid breast stimulation, vigorous exercise, or acute emotional stress prior to prolactin testing.

Understanding Your Results

What higher or lower readings generally mean in clinical practice:

If Values Are Higher Than Normal

Markedly elevated Day 3 FSH (>15–20 mIU/mL) indicates diminished ovarian reserve or primary ovarian insufficiency / premature menopause. High LH with an LH:FSH ratio >2:1 is characteristic of PCOS. High prolactin (>50–100 ng/mL) points toward a prolactinoma (pituitary adenoma) or medication effect (antidepressants, antipsychotics, PPIs).

If Values Are Lower Than Normal

Low FSH and low LH in a woman with absent periods indicates Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, frequently caused by extreme caloric restriction, low body fat, chronic stress, or excessive athletic endurance training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it crucial to test FSH and LH specifically on Day 2 or Day 3 of the period?

Early in the follicular cycle (Days 2–4), estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest baseline. Testing at this exact window reveals the true pituitary drive and ovarian reserve before developing follicles alter hormone feedback.

Related Laboratory Tests

Tests frequently prescribed together or used as follow-up investigations:

Beta-hCG Quantitative (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

Quantitative concentration of the intact beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone.

Serum Testosterone (Total & Free)

Primary androgen steroid hormone: Total testosterone (protein-bound) and Free testosterone (biologically active).

Thyroid Profile (TFT: TSH, Free T3, Free T4)

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Free Thyroxine (FT4), and Free Triiodothyronine (FT3).

Fasting Serum Insulin & HOMA-IR

Fasting blood insulin concentration and calculated mathematical Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance.

Medical & Diagnostic Disclaimer

This guide is published for educational and patient informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or clinical advice.

A laboratory result that falls slightly outside standard statistical reference intervals does not automatically indicate disease; conversely, a normal result does not guarantee the absence of medical conditions. Only your attending physician can interpret lab findings in the context of your medical history, physical exam, and symptoms.