FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and menopause

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is made by the pituitary gland and signals the ovaries to develop eggs. As ovarian function declines, FSH rises. In perimenopause, though, FSH can swing between normal and high from one cycle to the next, so one test can't reliably confirm perimenopause or tell you when menopause will happen.

When an FSH test may be used

• Evaluating missed periods at a younger age than expected
• Some fertility evaluations
• Situations where periods can't be used to judge stage, such as after hysterectomy

Things that affect FSH

Hormonal contraception and hormone therapy can change FSH results. Results are interpreted by the clinician who ordered the test, together with your age and symptoms.

When to talk with a healthcare professional

• Symptoms are affecting your sleep, work, relationships or daily life.
• You want to know whether a treatment fits your personal and family health history.
• Your periods stopped before age 40, or you have questions about fertility.

How Dot can help

Dot helps you keep your cycle history in one place — often more useful for staging than a single lab value. Dot does not interpret lab results.

How Dot works · Kindr Care clinical care

Related topics

• Estradiol
• Estrogen
• Irregular periods
• Perimenopause
• Menopause

Sources

1. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH) Levels Test.
2. National Institute on Aging (NIH). What Is Menopause?.
3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The Menopause Years (patient FAQ).

This page is educational and not medical advice. Dot does not diagnose or prescribe. See our editorial policy.