FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)

What this test is

FSH is a hormone that rises around menopause. It is useful in some cases. It helps most if your periods stop before age 45 for no clear reason. It also helps if you are under 40 and your periods stop. In that case we check it twice, a month or so apart. You do not need this test for normal menopause at 45 or older. Your age, your symptoms, and your period pattern already give a clear answer. FSH moves around too much at this stage to add anything useful. In men, a related test called LH is sometimes checked. This happens once low testosterone is already confirmed. It helps find the cause. If your doctor skips FSH for typical menopause signs, the number would not change the plan.