Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

“One elevated FSH level is not enough to confirm
menopause. More important, a low FSH level in a woman
who is having hot flashes and changing periods…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Definition

What is follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)?

DotS the definition of FSH may vary. The (United States) Endocrine Society’s definition is:

“Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)—In women, FSH helps control the menstrual cycle and the production of eggs by the ovaries. The amount of FSH varies throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle and is highest just before she ovulates. Problems with FSH release can contribute to female infertility. In men, FSH helps control the production of sperm”.2

The North American Menopause Society’s (NAMS) definition is:

“Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). A hormone produced by the pituitary gland (located at the base of the brain). In women, FSH stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles (the small cysts that hold the eggs) and the supporting cells responsible for the growth and nurturing of the egg. FSH also stimulates production of estrogen by the ovaries. When estrogen production is low (after menopause), FSH levels will be high”.3

FSH Blood Test

What is a FSH blood test?

In Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Blood Test the (United States) MedlinePlus explain:

“The follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) blood test measures the level of FSH in blood. FSH is a hormone released by the pituitary gland, located on the underside of the brain”.4

Tests or Not

Are tests typically needed to diagnose menopause?

In Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Diagnosis the (United States) Mayo Clinic note:

“Tests typically aren’t needed to diagnose menopause”.5

Menopause

What may it be important to note about menopause and FSH blood levels?

In Diagnosing Menopause: Symptom Assessment and Diagnosis At Perimenopause and Menopause the Australasian Menopause Society explain:

“It is important to explain to women that the blood tests of FSH/oestradiol can fluctuate on a daily basis and therefore are not useful or necessary. It is especially unhelpful to do hormone blood tests while women are on MHT/OCP – symptoms, not blood levels, guide therapy”.6

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)What is a MHT?

MHT can be an abbreviation for Menopause Hormone Therapy.

What is a OCP?

MHT can be an abbreviation for the Oral Contraceptive Pill.

The NAMS also note:

“…a single FSH level can be misleading in perimenopause because estrogen production does not fall at a steady rate from day to day. Instead, both estrogen and FSH levels can vary greatly during perimenopause. One elevated FSH level is not enough to confirm menopause. More important, a low FSH level in a woman who is having hot flashes and changing periods does not eliminate the likelihood that she is still in perimenopause”.7

On page one in NICE: Menopause, Diagnosis and Management – From Guideline To Practice Guideline Summary: Ten Key Messages the British Menopause Society explain:

2 Diagnosis
“Blood tests are rarely required to diagnose perimenopause or menopause in women aged over 45 and should not be taken. While measurement of FSH has often been used in the past to diagnose perimenopause or menopause, the level fluctuates significantly and bears no correlation with severity or duration of symptoms or to requirement for treatment. Reducing inappropriate use of testing FSH levels will produce savings in terms of cost of test, time for further consultation to discuss the results and will reduce delay in commencing agreed management”.8


Not Valid

When is a FSH test not valid?

The NAMS note:

“Also, if a woman is using certain hormone therapies (such as birth control pills), a FSH test is not valid”.9

Over-the-Counter Tests

Can over-the-counter home tests really tell you whether or not you’re definitely in a stage of menopause?

In Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Diagnosis the (United States) Mayo Clinic note:

“Over-the-counter home tests to check FSH levels in your urine are available. The tests could tell you whether you have elevated FSH levels and might be in perimenopause or menopause. But, since FSH levels rise and fall during the course of your menstrual cycle, home FSH tests can’t really tell you whether or not you’re definitely in a stage of menopause”.10

Health Care Provider

What if I would like to find out more about FSH?

If you would like to find out more about FSH, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. Together you can discuss your options and if required, agree on who may be the most appropriate health care provider to help you.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to FSH?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to FSH?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. ACOG Explains: Managing Menopause Symptoms [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists]
  2. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  3. At-Home Menopause Tests: Pros and Cons, What They Test and When To See A Provider
  4. BMS TV: Menopause Explained
  5. CAMS Menopause Hour: Perimenopause – A Clinical Challenge [Council of Affiliated Menopause Societies]
  6. Diagnosing Menopause
  7. Diagnostic Tests for Menopause
  8. Estrogen Levels Test
  9. Follicle Stimulating Hormone
  10. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
  11. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Blood Test
  12. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Levels Test
  13. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  14. How Do FSH Levels Test Menopause and Fertility?
  15. How Do Health Care Providers Diagnose Menopause?
  16. How Do I Know I’m In Menopause? What About Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Testing?
  17. How Do I Know I’ve Reached Menopause If I’m on the Pill?
  18. How To Know If You Are In Menopause
  19. How To Understand Your Lab Results
  20. I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – E9: The Menopause: Can Every Woman That Wants It Have HRT?
  21. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Myths] [Other Languages and Formats]
  22. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  23. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Perimenopause Transitions and Concerns
  24. Menopause
  25. Menopause
  26. Menopause
  27. Menopause
  28. Menopause Checklist Podcast
  29. Menopause Explained
  30. Menopause Home Tests: Do They Work?
  31. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  32. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
  33. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  34. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: What Is Menopause?
  35. Menopause Signs and Symptoms
  36. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  37. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  38. Menopause [Home-Use Test Kit To Measure Follicle Stimulating Hormone In Your Urine (FSH)]
  39. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Diagnosing Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  40. Menopause: Diagnosis and Treatment – Diagnosis
  41. Menopause: Ensuring A Tranquil Transition
  42. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  43. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  44. Navigating Menopause: Honest Answers To All Your Questions [+ Video: What To Expect in Menopause]
  45. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  46. Perimenopause
  47. Perimenopause
  48. Peri-Menopause and Irregular Periods
  49. Perimenopause and Menopause Checklist: Translated Checklists
  50. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
  51. Perimenopause: Diagnosis and Treatment – Diagnosis
  52. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  53. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  54. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  55. Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  56. Video Series-2023: Premature and Early Menopause
  57. Video Series-2024: Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  58. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopausal Assessment and Management
  59. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: New Hormonal Tests To Diagnose or Even Predict the Menopause?
  60. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: New Hormonal Tests To Diagnose or Even Predict the Menopause?
  61. Webinars: Previous – Perimenopause Contraception
  62. Websites Selling Direct-to-Consumer Anti-Mullerian Hormone Tests
  63. What Causes Menopause?
  64. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  65. What Is Menopause?
  66. What Is Menopause?
  67. What Is Menopause? [+ Video]
  68. What To Expect in Each Stage of Menopause
  69. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
  70. Why Is FSH Not Needed for Diagnosis of Menopause [Video]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. How Do I Know I’m In Menopause? What About Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Testing? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/how-do-i-know-i’m-in-menopause- Accessed: 07 May 2024
  2. Glossary. Endocrine Society https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/glossary Accessed: 07 May 2024
  3. Menopause Glossary: F – Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-glossary#F Accessed: 07 May 2024
  4. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Blood Test. Review Date: 23 August 2023. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003710.htm Accessed: 07 May 2024
  5. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Diagnosis. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401″ Accessed: 07 May 2024
  6. Diagnosing Menopause: Symptom Assessment and Diagnosis At Perimenopause and Menopause. Content Created May 2022. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/gp-hp-resources/diagnosing-menopause Accessed: 07 May 2024
  7. How Do I Know I’m In Menopause? What About Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Testing? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/how-do-i-know-i’m-in-menopause-Accessed: 07 May 2024
  8. NICE: Menopause, Diagnosis and Management – From Guideline To Practice Guideline Summary: Ten Key Messages 2022:1. British Menopause Society https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/09-BMS-TfC-NICE-Menopause-Diagnosis-and-Management-from-Guideline-to-Practice-Guideline-Summary-NOV2022-A.pdf Accessed: 07 May 2024
  9. How Do I Know I’m In Menopause? What About Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Testing? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/menopause-symptoms-and-treatments/how-do-i-know-i’m-in-menopause- Accessed: 07 May 2024
  10. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Diagnosis. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401″ Accessed: 07 May 2024
Topic Last Updated: 16 May 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 07 May 2024

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by