Which hormone is primarily tested to confirm menopause?

The hormone primarily tested to confirm menopause is FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone. During menopause, the ovaries gradually decrease their production of estrogen and progesterone, leading to changes in the hormonal feedback systems. As a result, there is a significant increase in FSH levels due to the body’s attempt to stimulate the ovaries in response to decreased ovarian function.

In the case of menopause, FSH levels rise significantly, often more than 30 mIU/mL, indicating that the body is in the postmenopausal state. This elevation in FSH serves as a reliable marker for confirming menopause.

Estrogen levels may vary and can sometimes be low, but they do not provide the definitive confirmation that elevated FSH levels do. Similarly, while LH may also be elevated during this time, it is less frequently used as a diagnostic marker for menopause compared to FSH. Prolactin is not involved in the menopausal transition and is primarily associated with lactation and reproductive functions.