What are normal FSH and LH levels by age?

Ever wondered what your FSH and LH levels say about your hormones? These two key hormones play an important role in your reproductive health, fertility and overall wellbeing. Understanding how they change throughout life can help you make informed choices about your health.

FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone, and LH, or luteinising hormone, are produced by the pituitary gland and work closely together. They influence everything from egg and sperm production to hormone balance. While it’s normal for levels to shift over time, knowing what’s typical for your age can give helpful context for your own health journey.

How FSH and LH work

FSH and LH act like messengers between the brain and reproductive organs. In women, they help control the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and the production of oestrogen and progesterone. In men, they regulate sperm production and testosterone levels.

Think of FSH and LH as partners in a dance: FSH stimulates the development of eggs in women and sperm in men, while LH triggers ovulation in women and supports testosterone production in men. These hormones naturally fluctuate with age, lifestyle, and overall health, so variations are completely normal.

You can read more about the FSH test and LH test from Bluecrest to understand what each measures and what your results might indicate.

FSH and LH Levels in women by age

Teens and early 20s

During puberty, FSH and LH levels rise to kickstart the menstrual cycle. By the late teens and early 20s, levels usually stabilise, supporting regular cycles and fertility.

20s to late 30s

FSH and LH generally remain steady, allowing for predictable menstrual cycles. Hormone balance during this stage supports fertility and overall reproductive health. Lifestyle factors, such as stress, diet and exercise, can influence hormone patterns, but significant changes are uncommon.

Late 30s to early 50s

As women approach perimenopause, FSH and LH levels begin to rise. This is the body’s way of responding to gradually declining ovarian function. Cycles may become irregular, and hormone fluctuations can bring about changes in mood, sleep and energy.

Menopause and beyond

After menopause, FSH and LH levels are typically higher than in earlier life stages, reflecting the ovaries’ reduced hormone production. This increase is normal and expected. Understanding these changes can help women manage symptoms and maintain overall health.

FSH and LH levels in men by age

Teens and 20s

In young men, FSH and LH support sperm production and testosterone levels. These hormones are generally stable, helping maintain fertility and sexual health.

30s to 50s

Levels remain fairly consistent, though subtle changes may occur with age. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support ongoing hormone balance.

50s and beyond

As men age, small changes in FSH and LH can occur, often reflecting natural declines in testicular function. While these shifts are usually gradual, monitoring hormone levels can be helpful for understanding overall reproductive and hormonal health.

What affects FSH and LH levels?

Several lifestyle and health factors can influence these hormones:

• Stress: Long-term stress can disrupt hormone balance and affect reproductive function.

• Body composition: Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, can influence hormone levels.

• Diet and nutrition: Adequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals supports reproductive health.

• Sleep and exercise: Quality sleep and regular activity help maintain hormone balance.

• Health conditions and medications: Certain illnesses, treatments and medications can impact hormone production.

Lifestyle tips to support hormone balance

Making small, sustainable adjustments to daily routines can help maintain healthy FSH and LH levels. Here are some practical ideas:

• Balanced diet: Focus on whole foods rich in nutrients like zinc, selenium, vitamin D, and omega?3 fatty acids. These support hormone production and reproductive health.

• Manage stress: Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, yoga or gentle walks can help keep stress levels in check.

• Stay active: Regular moderate exercise promotes overall hormone health. A mix of cardio and strength training around 150 minutes per week is usually beneficial.

• Sleep well: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly, as hormone production is closely tied to your sleep cycle.

• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Both can disrupt hormone balance and contribute to oxidative stress.

• Reduce environmental toxins: Where possible, use BPA?free products and limit exposure to synthetic chemicals in everyday items.

These lifestyle choices are supportive, not a replacement for professional advice, but they help create a foundation for healthy hormonal balance.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my FSH or LH levels are outside the normal range?

Your results will indicate if levels are higher or lower than typical for your age and sex. Discussing them with a GP can help interpret what this means for your health.

Can hormone levels affect energy and mood?

Yes. Shifts in FSH and LH can influence other hormones, which may impact energy, sleep, and emotional wellbeing. Tracking levels helps you connect changes in your body to how you feel.

Are there non-invasive ways to monitor hormones regularly?

Blood tests through services like Bluecrest Wellness are simple and quick, and results are easy to access online. Regular monitoring provides insight into trends over time without invasive procedures.

Do lifestyle habits really make a difference to my hormone levels?

Small, consistent changes in diet, exercise, stress management and sleep can support hormone balance and reproductive health. They complement testing and give a clearer picture of what your body needs.

Should I test hormones even if I feel fine?

Yes. Hormone shifts can occur gradually and subtly. Testing gives proactive insight, helping you make informed decisions about nutrition, exercise, fertility or general wellbeing.

Tracking your hormone health

If you’re curious about your FSH and LH levels, regular testing can provide clarity. Bluecrest Wellness offers Male & Female Hormone Profiles that measure FSH, LH and other key hormones, giving you a complete picture of your reproductive wellbeing. A simple blood test at one of Bluecrest’s nationwide clinics provides results online, so you can easily share them with your GP and plan your next steps.

Whether you’re navigating menopause, planning for parenthood or simply curious about your reproductive health, understanding your hormones is an important step towards confident, proactive wellbeing.

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