FSH is the primary growth-stimulating hormone in the ovarian follicles. It functions in conjunction with other hormones like progesterone and estrogen. FSH is a primary reproductive hormone secreted by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland. It is responsible for sustaining and regulating the development of many pubertal traits among both, males and females. However, the role of FSH is most vital in controlling the reproductive processes of women. FSH or Follicle Stimulating Hormone is among the most vital of female hormones, largely affecting their reproductive and sexual health processes.

Understanding FSH and Menopause

It is usually seen that women who are above 45 years of age tend to suffer from a gradual decrease or increase in their sexual hormone levels. This includes many important reproductive hormones like progesterone, estrogen, Estradiol, testosterone and FSH. Menopause marks a phase wherein the menstrual cycle slowly begins to diminish and eventually ceases to exist. It is typically characterized by high FSH levels. Menopause is a major fertility deterrent. This is why women above the age of 45 years find it difficult to conceive and sustain their pregnancy. Thus, FSH and infertility among women have an established relationship. Perhaps, the biggest confusion and the reason of apprehension among women in their mid-40s is whether increasing FSH levels in menopause will actually affect their reproductive health or will they just be a part of the hormonal changes associated with this transformation.

Decoding Menopausal Rise in FSH Levels

Please note that while there is a serious dip in the concentration of estrogen and progesterone levels FSH levels in menopause tend to rise sharply. This is why for women who are approaching the age of 45 years, FSH testing is recommended. Higher levels of FSH indicate impending menopause. In fact, it has now been established that FSH levels during the age group of 40 – 45 is a definite indicator of whether the woman is likely to develop menopause in the near future. Menopause symptoms like sudden hot flashes or irregularities in menstrual cycle are early indicators that the hormonal imbalance has started to take shape but the actual process of FSH levels getting disturbed might take some time to surface. This is when more progressive and visible menopausal symptoms like sleep disorders, memory problems irritability and unexplained depression emerge.

Treating Menopausal FSH symptoms

The only way to treat FSH induced infertility among menopausal women is seeking hormone therapy wherein medications are used for suppressing the FSH levels. This is done since FSH cannot sustain itself if other female hormones like progesterone and estrogen levels rise. However, this kind of treatment can only be handled by infertility specialists since this essentially means manipulating the body’s natural hormonal mechanism. The best way of confirming the rising FSH levels in menopause is undergoing a Follicle Stimulating Hormone Test. This is also called a FSH test and is considered vital before any kind of FSH therapy is begun. This test is offered by most clinical testing facilities where blood, saliva or urine FSH testing is done.