During menopause, a woman's ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This leads to changes in two other important hormones that control the reproductive system - follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
As a woman approaches menopause, her ovaries start to fail and egg production declines. This decline sends signals to the pituitary gland in the brain, which responds by releasing more FSH and LH to try to stimulate the ovaries.
FSH levels begin to rise several years before menopause starts. FSH stimulates the ovaries to grow and mature egg follicles each month. As there are fewer and fewer follicles left, FSH levels continue climbing in an attempt to get the ovaries to respond.
Similarly, LH levels also rise during the menopausal transition. LH triggers ovulation - the release of a mature egg. Elevated LH is a sign that the pituitary gland is working harder to ovulate remaining eggs as the ovaries age.
By the late stages of menopause:
- FSH levels are very high because few or no follicles remain to respond.
- LH levels fluctuate but are also generally elevated. Ovulation becomes irregular and finally ceases.
Once a woman is postmenopausal:
- FSH and LH levels remain elevated, signalling that the ovaries are no longer active.
- Menstruation stops completely due to the lack of ovulation and ovarian hormones.
An easy at-home urine test from
Renew Hormone Therapy can check your
FSH and
LH levels to help determine if you are in perimenopause or postmenopause. Understanding your hormone levels can provide clues about what symptoms may occur.
Our caring medical team can also help diagnose medical conditions related to hormone changes like:
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal atrophy
- Osteoporosis
- Heart disease
- Urinary issues
We offer customized treatment plans involving:
- Hormone therapy
- Lifestyle changes
- Supplements and vitamins
- Prescription medications
Contact us today to learn more or book an appointment!
In summary, during the menopausal transition:
- FSH and LH levels rise in response to declining ovarian follicle numbers and egg production
- The pituitary gland releases more FSH and LH to stimulate the ovaries
- High, fluctuating levels of FSH and LH indicate that the ovaries are failing
- Postmenopause is marked by sustained high levels as ovulation and menstrual cycles cease
Getting your hormone levels tested can provide insights into menopausal symptoms and health risks. The medical professionals at
Renew Hormone Therapy can help diagnose and treat issues related to changing FSH, LH, estrogen and progesterone levels during midlife and beyond.