Home / Lab reference values 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.
ℹ Medical disclaimer: Content is educational. Not medical advice. Always discuss your specific situation with a qualified clinician.Reproductive Hormonal Thyroid Metabolic 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 PerimenopauseHighly 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 adultSome 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 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 .