FSH - FOLLICULAR STIMULATING HORMONE

TAKE THE TEST -

Are you unsure as to whether you are starting with peri menopause or menopause? - Maybe this can help.

The FSH - follicular stimulating hormone test

This rapid Menopause home test kit uses a small urine sample to detect an increase in the hormone Follicular Stimulating Hormone, or FSH. High levels of FSH can be an indicator that you are perimenopausal, or experiencing the menopause already.

What is FSH?

FSH is produced by the body to increase the size of ovarian follicles and create oestrogen. Once enough oestrogen has been made, your follicles secrete another hormone called Inhibin B which triggers the FSH levels to reduce again. This happens each month during your menstrual cycle. As women age, the number of working follicles in the ovaries reduces, meaning that less oestrogen and Inhibin B can be made in response to the FSH surges. This means that there is not enough Inhibin B being produced to regulate the FSH, and so levels just continue to increase.

How does it work?

This test checks the level of FSH in your urine and provides a positive (elevated FSH) or negative (not elevated FSH) result to indicate levels and therefore likelihood of being menopausal or in the perimenopause. I USED the Newfoundland testing kit.Results are visible in just 3 minutes and the test has been deemed 100% clinically accurate. Each kit includes two tests and cost £11.49 - available for next day delivery on amazon.

Having researched, and personally been to the GP for hormone level testing it is important to be aware that the hormone levels can increase and decrease on a daily and definitely a weekly basis.

My first GP hormone test showed only 2 markers before full blown menopause... 2 weeks later the levels were completely negative. I am using the FSH tests once a week for 4 weeks, in the hope that I can see what is happening within a cycle and when. Forearmed is forewarned as they say. Hopefully I can provide this info to my GP and she can advise from there.... I will keep you all posted.

Keep following my journey on socials and feel free to drop me an email or message for any further info.

Blood, sweat and tears.... Ruth x