Menopause Support Group

Menopause is the physiological cessation of menstrual cycles associated with advancing age. It normally occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55, when the body begins to slow and stop the production of eggs, estrogen and progesterone production decreases, and menstruation diminishes, eventually stopping altogether.

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High FSH levels

deleted_user
deleted_user
Does anyone know about high FSH levels? I have not had a menstruation since 9/2006, have night sweats to die for, can't sleep because of the night sweats. I had the blood work done. My FSH level was 128.4 mIU/ML; TSH Prolactin was 1.183 uIU/mL / 14.2 ng/ML. My doctor said if he didn't know me and was just looking at my blood work it looks like I'm 55-60 years old. I'm 43. Then I started doing a bit of research and it looks like high FSH levels can be linked with ovarian cancer. I do tend to be an alarmist and I do tend to be proactive with my own health -- after all doctors don't know everything. I am going to call and speak with the nurse to ask her but before that I wanted to see if anyone here knows anything about this..... Thanks in advance for any 411....
levisgranny
levisgranny
I really don't know about FSH levels but, they say that you are menopausal when you have not had your period for 1 full year. It sure sounds like you are there, tho. Good luck in finding the info you are looking for.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thanks levisgranny. Someone actually mailed me and that put my mind at ease.
deleted_user
deleted_user
FSH = Follicle stimulating hormones. This is what the over the counter menopause tests. When they're up, estrogen's down and you may be starting menopause. I never heard anything about a link to ovarian cancer.
deleted_user
deleted_user
High FSH doesn't necessarily = ovarian cancer. In fact, the high levels can skew the CA125 test result. High FSH (usually on day 3) in conjuction with your estrodial levels are what you should be looking at, in addition to the lack of periods. I was diagnosed with POF at the age of 31 and my FSH at the time was 54. It has changed a bit over time, but I had also stopped having periods for about 22 months. Let me know if I can help you find out more information. Good Luck.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hey givemestrength
FSH is released from the pituitary in response to a drop in estradiol which is usually secreted by mature ovarian follicles...so rising FSH is a sign of ovarian failure (no maturing follicles)
It is true that FSH can bounce around but if you have NOT had a period since 9/06 and are having hot flashes AND have an FSH of 128 you may well be in menopause..we wont know until you have NO period for 12 months AND the FSH stays elevated. No relation between high FSH and ovarian CANCER AND we technically call menopause BEFORE 40 years of age "premature ovarian failure" so while at 43 it seems early..it is still "normal" to go through menopause at this age.
Dr O.
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