Article updated: 27th March 2023
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plays an important role in the reproductive system. Responsible for regulating the function of the ovaries and pubertal development[1], a fluctuation in your FSH levels may leave you with a few questions which we’re here to answer!
Let’s learn a little more about the symptoms of high FSH in women, what causes this hormone imbalance and how you can check your FSH levels.
What Are The Symptoms Of High FSH?
Produced by the pituitary gland, FSH plays a pretty important role in the reproductive system - affecting both egg and estrogen production [2].
Symptoms of high FSH usually mimic menopause, some of these symptoms can include [3]:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
- Disrupted sleep
- Skin and hair changes
- Difficulty getting pregnant
What causes high levels of FSH?
High FSH levels are commonly associated with menopause or perimenopause. In saying that, it’s important to remember 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.
Other common causes of high FSH may include:
- Primary ovarian insufficiency [4]
- Polycystic ovary syndrome [5]
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 who’s fertility naturally begins to decline with age.
How can I check my FSH levels?
You can test your FSH levels with a simple blood test - this can be done with your local doctor or from the comfort of your own home with LetsGetChecked's Female Hormone Test.
LetsGetChecked’s Female Hormone Test offers a comprehensive picture of your fertility status and is ideal for anyone who is curious about their fertility status. 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
