Dr. Tabatha Barber explains why follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) rises when ovarian estrogen production falls: the brain (pituitary) increases FSH production when the ovary does not respond, producing higher FSH in menopause. She notes elevated FSH is also seen in premature ovarian insufficiency and diminished ovarian reserve related to fertility issues.
Follicle stimulating hormone is sometimes checked to see if you're going into menopause. Because as your body starts to no longer make as much estrogen, the FSH levels increase. Because your brain and your ovaries are always talking. And if your ovary isn't responding to what the brain says, the brain says make more estrogen. The ovary doesn't make more estrogen, then the brain starts screaming. It starts saying it louder and louder by producing more and more fsh. And so this FSH level gets higher when your ovaries are no longer producing enough estrogen. And so that's why FSH is elevated in menopause. It's also elevated in premature ovarian insufficiency and diminished ovarian reserve when you're dealing with fertility issues.
