A guide to FSH and menopause
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) helps control the menstrual cycle and overall reproductive health. As women get closer to menopause, their FSH levels naturally increase because the ovaries start slowing down. This hormone change can cause symptoms like hot flushes, irregular periods, and mood swings.
Understanding your FSH levels can provide valuable insight into your menopausal stage and overall hormonal balance. By testing key hormone levels, including FSH, you can gain a clearer picture of your health during this transition.
Read on to learn more about FSH, how it changes through menopause, and what it means for you.
What is FSH?
FSH is a natural chemical in your body that helps control the menstrual cycle and supports fertility. It’s made by the pituitary gland, a small gland in the brain, and its main job is to help the ovaries produce eggs.
Throughout life, FSH levels rise and fall, but as menopause approaches, the ovaries slow down and make less estrogen. In response, the body produces more FSH to try and keep things working. This rise in FSH is a key sign of menopause and can help indicate where you are in the transition. Recognising these changes can help you better understand your body and feel more in control of your health during menopause.
FSH and menopause
FSH levels naturally rise during menopause as the ovaries produce less oestrogen. This hormonal shift marks the transition out of the reproductive years and can bring noticeable changes to the body.
While FSH itself isn’t the direct cause of menopause symptoms, its increase reflects the body's response to lower oestrogen levels. As ovarian function declines, the body produces more FSH in an effort to compensate.
Since hormone levels can fluctuate, FSH testing is often used alongside symptoms and other health markers for a clearer picture of the menopause transition. Tracking FSH, along with other hormones, can help you better understand where you are in the process and what to expect next.
Symptoms of high FSH levels during menopause
As FSH levels rise during menopause, many women experience a range of symptoms that can affect their daily lives. These may include:
- Hot flushes and night sweats – Sudden feelings of heat, often accompanied by sweating and a flushed face, which can disrupt sleep and daily activities
- Irregular or missed periods – As ovarian function declines, menstrual cycles become unpredictable before stopping altogether
- Mood swings and irritability – Fluctuating hormones can contribute to emotional ups and downs, increased stress, and heightened sensitivity
- Sleep disturbances – Difficulty falling or staying asleep, often due to night sweats or increased anxiety, can lead to fatigue and reduced energy levels
- Vaginal dryness – Lower estrogen levels can lead to decreased lubrication, discomfort, and an increased risk of infections
These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, with some women experiencing only mild discomfort while others face more significant challenges.
How is FSH tested?
FSH levels are measured through a simple blood test, usually taken from a vein in your arm. This test helps determine whether you are in perimenopause, menopause, or another stage of hormonal change.
Doctors may recommend testing FSH alongside other key hormones for a more complete assessment of your hormonal health, including:
- Oestrogen – A crucial hormone for regulating the menstrual cycle and overall reproductive health
- Luteinising hormone (LH) – Produced by the pituitary gland, LH helps trigger ovulation and supports reproductive function
Since hormone levels can fluctuate, more than one test may be needed to indicate menopause. A broader hormone panel alongside your clinical history provides a more accurate understanding of your transition and helps guide treatment options.
Our Advanced Menopause Profile offers a comprehensive look at key hormones, including FSH, to help determine if you're in perimenopause or menopause. These insights can support decisions about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatments. Discussing your results with your GP ensures you receive the best care for your menopause-related concerns.
What level of FSH indicates menopause?
FSH levels typically rise as menopause approaches, but there isn’t a single number that confirms menopause for everyone. Generally, an FSH level above 30 mIU/mL is considered a sign that menopause is near or has begun.
However, because hormone levels fluctuate, a single test may not be enough to make a definitive diagnosis.
Doctors often look at FSH levels alongside symptoms and other hormone levels, such as oestrogen. If FSH remains consistently high and periods have stopped for 12 months, menopause is usually confirmed.
Testing can provide useful insights, but it’s important to consider the full picture of your health - something that an Advanced Menopause Profile can help with.
Check your hormonal health today
Understanding your FSH levels is an important step in managing menopause and overall hormonal health. Since FSH fluctuations signal the transition to menopause, tracking these changes can provide valuable insights into your body’s unique needs.
In addition to FSH, other hormones like oestrogen play key roles in regulating symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, and irregular periods. A comprehensive hormone test can help assess overall balance and guide treatment options.
Our Advanced Menopause Profile provides a detailed look at your hormonal health by measuring essential hormones, including FSH, oestrogen and testosterone. These insights can help you better understand where you are in your menopausal journey and support informed decisions about managing symptoms and treatment options.
With UK-wide appointments, you can book a test at your convenience. Our trusted labs ensure fast, accurate results, giving you clear insights into your hormone health.
