Lab reference values

Normal ranges for 8 key hormonal labs. Ranges are typical adult female values from standard reference labs (Quest, LabCorp). Always interpret with your clinician — single readings often need context.

Reproductive

FSH · Follicle-stimulating hormone

Marker of ovarian reserve and menopause transition. Elevated FSH suggests declining ovarian function.

Range	Min	Max
Reproductive (follicular)	3.5	12.5 mIU/mL
Reproductive (mid-cycle)	4.7	21.5 mIU/mL
Reproductive (luteal)	1.7	7.7 mIU/mL
Perimenopause Highly variable — one reading insufficient	8	30 mIU/mL
Postmenopause	25.8	134.8 mIU/mL

When ordered: Suspected peri/menopause, infertility workup, irregular cycles, premature ovarian insufficiency screening.

Single reading unreliable in perimenopause
Birth control suppresses FSH

AMH · Anti-Müllerian hormone

Ovarian reserve marker. Predicts time-to-menopause better than FSH. Used in fertility workup and PCOS diagnosis.

Range	Min	Max
High (good reserve, under 35)	3.0	6.8 ng/mL
Normal (35-40)	1.0	3.5 ng/mL
Low (40+)	0.3	1.5 ng/mL
Very low (peri imminent)	<0.3	0.3 ng/mL

When ordered: Fertility assessment, PCOS workup, predicting peri timing, IVF planning.

Elevated in PCOS (typical >5)
Stable through menstrual cycle (one reading sufficient)

Progesterone · Progesterone

Ovulation confirmation (luteal phase) and pregnancy support assessment. Decline in peri associated with irregular cycles.

Range	Min	Max
Follicular	<1	0.89 ng/mL
Ovulatory peak	0.5	4.7 ng/mL
Mid-luteal (confirmed ovulation)	>3	25 ng/mL
Postmenopause	<0.5	0.5 ng/mL

When ordered: Ovulation confirmation (cycle day 21), recurrent miscarriage workup, irregular cycles.

Timing critical — must be day 21 of 28-day cycle
Single reading limited utility

Hormonal

Estradiol (E2) · Estradiol — primary estrogen

Primary marker of estrogen status. Low estradiol = vasomotor symptoms, bone loss risk, genitourinary atrophy.

Range	Min	Max
Follicular phase	12.5	166 pg/mL
Ovulatory peak	85.8	498 pg/mL
Luteal phase	43.8	211 pg/mL
Postmenopause	<10	54.7 pg/mL

When ordered: Confirming menopause, HRT dose titration, monitoring transdermal absorption.

Lab method varies — LC-MS/MS more accurate than immunoassay
Diurnal variation small

Total testosterone · Total testosterone

Androgen status — relevant to PCOS workup, hirsutism, libido assessment in peri/menopause.

Range	Min	Max
Reproductive female	15	70 ng/dL
Postmenopause	6	40 ng/dL
PCOS-suspect (>70 with symptoms) Above 200 — investigate tumor	70	150 ng/dL

When ordered: PCOS workup, hirsutism, libido concerns, adrenal tumor screening.

Free testosterone often more informative
SHBG affects free fraction

SHBG · Sex hormone-binding globulin

Carrier protein. Low SHBG = more bioavailable androgen (PCOS marker). Affects free testosterone interpretation.

Range	Min	Max
Reproductive female	30	90 nmol/L
Low (PCOS-suspect)	<30	30 nmol/L
Elevated (HRT/OCP/thyroid)	90	180 nmol/L

When ordered: PCOS workup, hirsutism, oral estrogen monitoring, free testosterone interpretation.

Oral estrogen raises SHBG; transdermal does not
Insulin resistance lowers SHBG

Thyroid

TSH · Thyroid-stimulating hormone

Thyroid screening. Hypothyroidism mimics peri symptoms (fatigue, weight gain, mood changes) — must rule out before attributing to hormones.

Range	Min	Max
Standard adult Some labs use 0.27-4.20	0.4	4.0 mIU/L
Pregnancy 1st trimester	0.1	2.5 mIU/L
Subclinical hypothyroid	4.0	10.0 mIU/L

When ordered: Fatigue, unexplained weight changes, mood symptoms, prior thyroid dx, HRT initiation.

Pair with free T4 for full picture
TPO antibodies if Hashimoto's suspected

Metabolic

HbA1c · Glycated hemoglobin (3-month avg glucose)

Diabetes/prediabetes screening. PCOS, GLP-1 candidates, and mid-life metabolic risk assessment.

Range	Min	Max
Normal	<5.7	5.6 %
Prediabetes	5.7	6.4 %
Diabetes	6.5	15+ %

When ordered: PCOS workup, GLP-1 eligibility, BMI ≥25 screening, family history of T2D.

Anemia + hemoglobinopathies affect accuracy
Pair with fasting glucose

Disclaimer

Reference ranges vary by lab method, instrument, and population. Numbers shown reflect typical Quest/LabCorp adult female reference intervals. Not medical advice — discuss results with your clinician. See our editorial methodology.