Screening Test for Menopausal Period

As women age, the ovaries become less responsive to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), two hormones important for ovulation and regulating menstrual periods. In response, the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone, causing estrogen levels in the body to decrease and FSH levels to increase.

When testing for menopause is warranted, doctors may order an FHS test to detect elevated levels of FSH in the blood. Measuring FSH can help determine if a woman is perimenopausal or has already gone through menopause.