Originally published: 18.MAR.2020
Last updated: 13.NOV.2023
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone that plays a vital role in the female reproductive system. Produced by the pituitary gland, FSH is responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and stimulating the ovaries to produce eggs. That’s why when levels become elevated, it can cause a whole host of signs and symptoms, including:
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Hot flashes
- Mood changes
- Fatigue
What Are The Symptoms Of High FSH?
Produced by the pituitary gland, FSH plays a pretty important role in the reproductive system - working in conjunction with luteinizing hormone (LH) to regulate the menstrual cycle and support ovarian function [2]. Symptoms of high FSH usually mimic menopause, some of these symptoms can include [3]:
- Irregular menstrual cycle: Women with elevated FSH levels often experience irregular periods, characterized by variations in the length of the menstrual cycle, unpredictable ovulation, and changes in menstrual flow.
- Hot flashes: While hot flashes and night sweats are commonly associated with menopause, women with high FSH levels may also experience these.
- Mood changes: Hormonal fluctuations, including elevated FSH, can impact mood and emotional well-being. Women with high FSH levels may experience mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression.
- Fatigue: Hormonal imbalances, including high FSH, can contribute to feelings of fatigue and decreased energy levels.
What causes high levels of FSH?
The most common cause of high FSH is a decline in ovarian function, often associated with older age. As women approach perimenopause and menopause, the ovaries produce less estrogen, leading to an increase in FSH as the body attempts to stimulate the ovaries to produce more hormones.
However, elevated FSH can also result from other factors, including certain medical conditions:
- Primary ovarian insufficiency [4]: Also known as, premature ovarian insufficiency, primary ovarian insufficiency occurs when the ovaries stop functioning as they should before age 40.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) [5]: PCOS is a condition that impacts the way a woman’s ovaries work, affecting hormones, menstrual cycle, and fertility.
It’s important to know that a single FSH test result isn’t a reliable indicator of your FSH levels as your hormones tend to fluctuate a good deal daily - it’s recommended you test your hormone levels up to five times over the course of a year.
What do high FSH levels mean?
High levels of FSH may indicate that there are now fewer, viable eggs available which can make it hard to conceive, or indicate that a woman is no longer fertile [6]. This is common amongst older women whose fertility naturally begins to decline with age.
How can I check my FSH levels?
If you are curious about your FSH levels, you can find out more by taking a simple blood sample - this can be done with your local doctor or from the comfort of your own home with LetsGetChecked’s range of female hormone testing options.
LetsGetChecked’s Female Hormone Test offers a comprehensive picture of your fertility status and is ideal for anyone who is curious about your hormones. It must be taken on day 3 of your menstrual cycle to ensure accurate results.
References
- You and Your Hormones. Follicle Stimulating Hormone. Online: Yourhormones.info, 2018
- Mayo Clinic, Hypopituitarism. Online: Mayoclinic.org, 2019
- You and Your Hormones. Follicle Stimulating Hormone. Online: Yourhormones.info, 2018
- Mayo Clinic. Primary ovarian insufficiency. Online: Mayoclinic.org, 2019
- Mayo Clinic. Polycystic ovary syndrome. Online: Mayoclinic.org, 2017
- Yale Medicine. Women, How Good Are Your Eggs? Online: Yalemedicine.org, 2018
