Fsh Hormone

FSH Hormone: What It Is and What High FSH Means

FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone, is a hormone that tells your ovaries to grow and release an egg each month. It is made by a small gland in your brain. As you get close to menopause, your ovaries respond less, so your body makes more FSH. This is why a high FSH level can be a sign of perimenopause or menopause.

Please note: This page shares general health information in simple words. It is not medical advice. Every body is different, so talk to a doctor or gynaecologist before you try any treatment.

Key Facts About FSH

  • FSH stands for follicle-stimulating hormone.

  • It is made by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain.

  • It helps eggs grow in the ovaries.

  • FSH goes up as the ovaries slow down near menopause.

  • FSH can be checked with a blood test or a home urine test.

  • FSH changes during the month, so one result does not tell the full story.

What Is FSH?

FSH is a hormone. It is made by the pituitary gland. This is a pea-sized gland at the base of your brain.

Each month, FSH travels in your blood to your ovaries. It tells them to grow a small sac called a follicle. Each follicle holds an egg. When the egg is ready, it is released. This is called ovulation.

What Does FSH Do?

FSH helps control your monthly cycle and helps your ovaries grow eggs. It works together with other hormones, like estrogen and LH (luteinising hormone).

When estrogen is low, the brain sends out more FSH. When estrogen is high, the brain sends out less. This is how your body keeps your cycle in balance.

Why Does FSH Go Up in Menopause?

As you get closer to menopause, your ovaries have fewer eggs left and make less estrogen. Your brain notices this. It tries to wake up the ovaries by sending more FSH. So FSH levels rise.

In perimenopause, FSH can go up and down a lot from month to month. After menopause, FSH usually stays high.

Why Is an FSH Test Done?

A doctor may order an FSH test to:

  • Check if perimenopause or menopause has started

  • Find out why periods are irregular or have stopped

  • Look for the cause of trouble getting pregnant

  • Check for some problems with the ovaries or pituitary gland

If you are 45 or older with typical menopause symptoms, you usually do not need an FSH test. Doctors can tell from your age and symptoms. The test is more useful if you are under 45 and your periods change.

How Is FSH Tested?

There are two ways:

  • Blood test. A doctor takes a small sample of blood from your arm. If you still have periods, you may need to test on a certain day of your cycle.

  • Home urine test. You test your urine at home. It shows if your FSH is higher than normal.

Sirona Menopause Test Kit

The Sirona Menopause Test Kit is a home urine test that checks for high FSH. Each kit has three tests, so you can test more than once over time. Results show in about 10 minutes.

A home test can give you a first idea. But it cannot diagnose menopause on its own. FSH can also be high for a short time just before ovulation. Share your results with your doctor.

What Do FSH Results Mean?

A high FSH level can mean your ovaries are slowing down, as happens in perimenopause and menopause. But FSH changes during the month, so your doctor will look at more than one result. They will also think about your age, your periods and your symptoms.

High FSH can sometimes have other causes, such as primary ovarian insufficiency or some thyroid problems. Low FSH can happen with very low body weight, fast weight loss or very hard exercise.

A home FSH test cannot tell you if you can get pregnant. Do not use it as birth control.

When Should You See a Doctor?

See a doctor or gynaecologist if:

  • Your home test shows high FSH and you are under 45.

  • Your periods become irregular or stop before 45.

  • Menopause symptoms affect your daily life.

  • You are having trouble getting pregnant.

Related Terms

Shop menopause care: Sirona Menopause Collection

Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels test. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/follicle-stimulating-hormone-fsh-levels-test/

  2. NICE. Menopause: identification and management (NG23). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23

  3. NHS. Early menopause. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/early-menopause/

  4. Sirona Menopause Test Kit product page. https://thesirona.com/products/menopause-kit

Disclaimer: This page is for general information only. It is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified doctor. It was written by the Sirona Content Team using the trusted medical sources listed above. Always talk to your doctor or gynaecologist about your symptoms and before starting any medicine, supplement or product. If you have heavy bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing or severe pain, get medical help right away.