Understanding Hormonal Continuation After Menopause: FSH and LH Persisting in the Post-Menopausal Body

After menopause, the ovaries stop producing eggs and become unresponsive to regular hormonal feedback loops in the body. Nevertheless, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) continue to be produced by the brain, even though there are no viable eggs. This article explores why these hormones continue to be produced and discusses the implications of this hormonal continuation.

Why FSH and LH Continue to Be Produced Post-Menopause

Delayed Menstrual Feedback Loop
After menopause, the brain continues to send signals to the ovaries via the pituitary gland, specifically through the production of FSH and LH. These hormones are part of a complex feedback loop where the brain sends signals based on the information it receives from the ovaries. Even though the ovaries are no longer responsive and don't produce any further eggs, the feedback loop persists.

FSH and LH Jobs Unchanged
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is responsible for stimulating the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, which contain the eggs. Its primary role is to initiate the process that ultimately leads to ovulation. Luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the release of mature eggs from the follicles. Since neither of these hormones can initiate these processes on their own, they continue to be released even in the post-menopausal state.

Impact of Elevated FSH and LH Levels Post-Menopause

The persistently elevated levels of FSH and LH can have significant health implications for post-menopausal women. Here are some key aspects:

Increased Bone Density Loss

Receptor sites for estrogen, which help maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis, are still present and active even after menopause. The persistent high levels of FSH and LH can signal the body to further break down bone tissue, leading to accelerated bone density loss. This makes post-menopausal women more susceptible to osteoporosis and fractures.

Altered Cognition and Mood Disorders

The brain's response to excessively high FSH and LH levels can lead to cognitive changes and mood disturbances. Studies have shown that prolonged high levels of these hormones can affect brain function, contributing to conditions like depression and cognitive decline.

Checking Hormonal Levels Post-Menopause

It's crucial for post-menopausal women to monitor their hormonal levels, especially FSH and LH, to manage health effectively. Hormonal imbalance post-menopause can significantly impact overall well-being. Here are some key points:

Importance of Testing
Regular blood tests can help detect any imbalances in FSH and LH levels. A FSH level between 20 and 40 IU/L and an LH level above 25 IU/L are indicative of menopause. Inform your healthcare provider about your symptoms and test results to receive appropriate guidance.

Testing Procedures
The luteinizing hormone (LH) blood test is commonly used to measure hormone levels. The test is simple, involving a small blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm. Results can provide valuable insights into your hormonal health post-menopause.

Further Reading and Resources

To get a comprehensive understanding of hormonal changes post-menopause, consider exploring the following resources:

Quora: Hormonal Changes During and After Menopause (Quora Profile) Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Blood Test: Procedure and Results (WomensHealthMag)

Understanding the reasons behind the continuation of FSH and LH production post-menopause can help women manage their health more effectively and deal with any associated issues. Regular monitoring and healthcare consultation are key to maintaining a healthy post-menopausal lifestyle.