An follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) test reads the hormone levels that send messages to your ovaries at the beginning of your menstrual cycle, so you will take this test on the second or third day of your menstrual cycle. The FSH is also the hormone that produces follicles in your ovaries, and these follicles are measured furthered by the antral follicle count (AFC) test.

What the Test Involves

This simple blood test is done during your menstrual cycle and can be done along with other necessary hormone testing if the timing is right.

If your FSH levels are high, it suggests that maybe your ovaries are not properly receiving messages to produce follicles, so the hormone is overproducing to try to support the follicles. While this reduces your chance of pregnancy, it is a normal result of aging.

Tips & Hints

Don’t stress about this test! Your blood test will indicate your FSH levels, and you can add this valuable information into your growing understanding of your reproductive health and what you can do to get closer to becoming a parent!

As with any blood draw, you should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water for up to a few days before and right up to the test.

If you’re weary of needles, start by letting the lab tech know! These people are well versed in taking blood, and they understand that some people are extra bothered by it and will be extremely gentle if they know it’s an issue. From there, breathe, look away, and sit very still! You might be tempted to hold your breath, but this won’t help if you’re feeling faint! Looking away and sitting still will distract you while ensuring that you get the least number of pokes possible.