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Menopause (Expert Forum)
Could high levels of fsh be something other than menopause?
Answered by
Machelle Seibel, MD - Women's Health, menopause, ReproductiveMedicine
University of Massachusetts Medical School
MA
Questions in the Menopause forum are answered by Dr. Machelle Seibel. Topics covered include menopause issues, depression, hormone replacement therapy , hot flashes, joint or muscle problems, memory problems, mood swings, osteoporosis , sexual problems, skin changes, sleeping problems, vaginal problems, and weight problems.
Could high levels of fsh be something other than menopause?
by BlanchD, Aug 18, 2006 12:00AM
I took a FSH blood test and my doctor informed me that it was at a high level and I was going thru menopause. I am 39 years old and have not had a period for 1 year. This past year I have been under a huge amount of stress. There hasn't been one day where I wasn't stressed about something. The doctor informed me that he wants to take more blood tests. My question is this: is it possible if my FSH levels come back high that it could be something other than menopause? I am worried now that he wants to take more tests to check other areas such as cancer. I have never had children. Since I began having my period at the age of 13 I had very bad cramps and heavy periods. I had a cyst removed from my ovary in 2002 and there after my periods where very light and no cramping at all. Is it possible that stress can cause my FSH levels to be high? Thank you for your response.
Doctor's Answer
by Machelle Seibel, MD, Aug 24, 2006 12:00AM
, Aug 24, 2006 12:00AM
A. High levels of FSH most often are due to the approach of menopause. But it doesn’t happen all at once and sometimes FSH levels go up and down for months or even years. Stress usually causes FSH levels to be lower or stay the same, not rise. High FSH levels can be due to a pituitary tumor that secretes FSH. These are not cancer and are very rare. Sometimes the body attacks its own hormone secreting cells and causes an inflammation of the ovary. That is also very uncommon. There are also other rare FSH producing tumors. However, a high blood level of FSH together with not having a period for one year does sound like menopause may be the most likely reason.
Although most women enter menopause after age 40 and the mean age is 51 years of age, one to four percent of women go through premature menopause, which is defined as menopause before age 40. The fact that you had a cyst removed might not be a cause at all; but it could contribute to the problem if a large amount of ovary tissue had to be removed. If you are thinking about having a baby and are in a position to try, it is always easier to conceive before age 40 even if your FSH level is normal.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD
Although most women enter menopause after age 40 and the mean age is 51 years of age, one to four percent of women go through premature menopause, which is defined as menopause before age 40. The fact that you had a cyst removed might not be a cause at all; but it could contribute to the problem if a large amount of ovary tissue had to be removed. If you are thinking about having a baby and are in a position to try, it is always easier to conceive before age 40 even if your FSH level is normal.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD
