An FSH test is essentially a test to measure the Follicle- Stimulating Hormone levels in the body. This hormone is secreted by the Pituitary Gland which is located within the brain. This hormone is found in both men and women and has a huge role to play in reproduction as well as the menstrual cycle of women.
The FSH blood test is essentially a test to measure the amount of FSH hormone present within the body. In a woman, it is responsible for the beginning of the menstrual cycle and changes in terms of its levels signaling different conditions of the body. In this article, we will see what the FSH test tells us about menopause.
Menstrual Cycle, Menopause and the FSH
Menstruation brings along with itself a lot of hormones and is controlled by the FSH or Follicle- Stimulating Hormone in the body. The period during which the menstrual cycle of a woman comes to an end is referred to as Menopause. Menopause can happen due to a lot of reasons, naturally as the woman ages and the ovaries stop releasing eggs due to lifestyle changes or substance abuse.
This stage continues for about a year, it is followed by three stages, pre-menopause, menopause, and post-menopause; each stage brings in its characteristics and ultimately results in the stopping of the menstrual cycle.
Over the ages Follicle- Stimulating Hormone production also reduces in the body leading to fewer levels of estrogen being formed and ultimately leading to menopause.
What is the FSH Blood Test?
Follicle- Stimulating Hormone is a hormone with works with other hormones to control our sexual drive and needs as well as reproduction capabilities. Most of the problems one faces concerning their sexual life have a lot to do with the FSH levels in their body. So to check for any irregularities or discrepancies in them an FSH test is done.
In men, the levels do not fluctuate as much but, in women, as they are ovulating, the FSH blood test levels are the highest in their body and the levels keep fluctuating. Too much or too little FSH hormone in the body can be bad for the health of both men and women and can lead to the following issues:
- lower sex drive
- delayed puberty
- higher sex drive
- sexual frustration
- issues with pregnancy or menstrual cycle, and so on.
Thus it is important to measure and maintain the FSH levels in the body. This hormone is present in one’s blood and a simple blood test can be used to test its levels.
The FSH test process is not a scary one and is safe to partake in; It is simply giving a small sample of our blood for a test, it can be done under the guidance of a gynecologist or by an individual independently, from any hospital or local blood tests lab.
FSH Blood Test Ranges
After the results of the test are out, it is important to analyze them properly. The FSH test results are indicated in milli-international units per milliliter (mIU/mL). For women, the normal range is as follows:
- Before puberty, the normal range is considered to be between 0.4 mIU/mL.
- During puberty, the FSH test result is considered normal in the range of 0.3 mIU/mL to 10.0 mIU/mL
- For a menstruating woman from 4.7 mIU/mL to 21.5 mIU/mL
In any period in the life of a person if the FSH blood test results are more than that which is considered normal it is a cause for worry.
FSH Test and Menopause
For women, a high level of Follicle- Stimulating Hormone in the body could be due to, issues with the pituitary gland or would also symbolize issues with childbearing or menopause. While a low Follicle- Stimulating Hormone in the FSH test would symbolize underweight, issues with the pituitary gland or a state of non-ovulation or simply a symptom of early pregnancy.
These hormonal changes can be dealt with through hormone therapy or consultation or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or meditation practices. These changes bring about a lot of stress and anxiety and depressing thoughts and thus need to be carefully taken care of. In case the Follicle- Stimulating Hormone ranges fluctuate too high or low, it is important to consult a doctor as well.
Conclusion
In this article, we see how the FSH test and the cycle of reproduction in the human body are linked. We see how it can get complicated in Follicles- Stimulating the hormone is released in a higher or lower amount.
To gauge the various problems with reproduction and menopause in our lives one can take the help of an FSH test and its analysis. Hopefully, this article will provide you with everything that you need to know about the FSH blood test and what it tells you about menopause.
Also read: Outlining Ovulation: What is The Best Time to Get Pregnant?
