Does FSH and LH decrease in menopause?

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are two key hormones that regulate the female reproductive system. During the reproductive years, they are released from the pituitary gland to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs and secrete estrogen and progesterone.
As a woman approaches menopause, typically in her late 40s or early 50s, her ovaries begin to fail and there are changes in FSH and LH levels:

• FSH levels rise as the ovaries stop responding to the stimulation by FSH. Higher FSH levels are an early indicator that the ovaries are beginning to shut down and menopause is approaching.


• LH levels first rise and then tend to decrease as a woman enters menopause. The initial rise in LH occurs because the ovary is producing less inhibin, which normally suppresses LH production.

So in summary, FSH increases while LH first increases and then decreases as a woman transitions into menopause.

Changes in Hormone Levels Before and After Menopause

• During the reproductive years:
  
  
  • FSH and LH levels fluctuate but generally stay within a normal range to stimulate the ovaries.
  
  


• Perimenopause:
  
  
  • FSH levels start to rise as ovarian function declines.
  
  
  • LH levels may initially rise but then start to decline.
  
  
  • Estrogen levels fluctuate widely.
  
  


• Postmenopause:
  
  
  • FSH and LH levels are very high as the ovaries no longer respond to their stimulation.
  
  
  • Estrogen levels are low since little is secreted by the ovaries.
  
  

Impact on the Menstrual Cycle

These hormone fluctuations lead to changes in the menstrual cycle, eventually stopping menstruation completely (menopause by definition).

• More time between periods


• Changes in flow


• Shorter or longer durations


• Eventually, menstruation ceases

Irregular cycles are very common in the years leading up to menopause.

Diagnosing Menopause

Since hormone levels change over time, menopause cannot be declared until 12 months without a period. At this point:

• FSH levels will be persistently elevated


• LH levels will be declining or low-normal


• Estrogen levels will be low

Measuring FSH is often used as the most reliable lab test to diagnose menopause.

Managing Menopause Symptoms

The hormonal changes of menopause can lead to disruptive symptoms including:

• Hot flashes


• Night sweats


• Vaginal dryness


• Mood changes


• Sleep problems

Hormone therapy (HT) is the primary medical treatment to relieve moderate-to-severe menopause symptoms. HT typically uses estrogen alone or a combination of estrogen and progestin to stabilize hormone levels.

Other treatment options may include:

• Vaginal estrogen for genitourinary symptoms


• Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications


• Lifestyle changes like staying cool, stress reduction, etc.

Speak to your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatments for your symptoms. Every woman's experience with menopause is unique. An open dialogue and customized management plan are key to navigating this transition comfortably.

Consider Bioidentical Hormones from Balance & Renew Clinic

Balance & Renew Clinic offers customized bioidentical hormone therapy tailored to your unique hormonal needs during perimenopause and menopause. We provide:

• One-on-one consultations with hormone specialists


• Personalized treatment plans


• Ongoing monitoring and dosage adjustments


• Convenient telemedicine appointments


• High quality compounded bioidentical hormones

Contact us today to learn more or book your initial assessment. We support women through every stage of hormonal wellness from puberty through menopause.