Understanding FSH Levels and Hormone Testing for Menopause and Perimenopause

FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) is released by the pituitary gland in the brain to push the ovaries to develop follicles (the immature sacs that mature and release an egg when we ovulate) and produce oestrogen. As ovarian function naturally declines with age, oestrogen levels drop, and the pituitary gland recognises this and pumps out more FSH to try and get the ovaries to work harder so FSH usually rises in late perimenopause and postmenopause. However, this will not happen consistently in t

What does FSH stand for? Follicle-stimulating hormone! 🩸 In women, FSH helps control the menstrual cycle and stimulates the growth of eggs in the ovaries. FSH levels in women change throughout the menstrual cycle, with the highest levels happening just before an egg is released by the ovary. This is known as ovulation. If you have a high level of FSH level at a young age, it may mean you have fewer eggs available to reach maturity. 🥚 Stay tuned for Pt.2 of this series later this week! 🎬 👩 •⁠