FSH
Dr. Robert Rebar's POF FAQ

13. What is a normal FSH level?

What is "normal" for any test depends on the lab and on the group of people being tested. FSH is a good indicator of a functioning ovary. Low levels generally mean that there are numerous healthy eggs within the ovary.

14. I was diagnosed with POF and started on HRT. Recently, new tests were done: FSH went down. On ultrasound follicles could be seen. The diagnosis was wrong? Is it POF?

Intermittent development of follicles and transient elevations in FSH are not uncommon, particularly in the early stages of POF.

15. Can FSH levels be elevated for any other reason than POF?

Increased FSH on day 3 indicates reduced ovarian reserve. This issue should be discussed with your care provider.

16. Why are some woman’s FSH a lot higher than mine? I still get all the symptoms, hot flashes etc. Is it a possibility that with my low FSH that my ovaries are still trying to function?

FSH values will vary widely depending on the assay used. FSH levels can fluctuate widely in women with POF. The diagnosis is established if levels are ever elevated into the postmenopausal range. Some individuals like you may begin to ovulate spontaneously after months and even years of absent menses and menopausal symptoms. However, we are unable to identify just which patients those are. We recommend that women like you use estrogen, understanding that taking it will not prevent you from conceiving, even if you take it as birth control pills, for reasons that are not understood. For patients like you, birth control pills should not be viewed as contraceptive. Women with POF are as likely to become pregnant while taking BCPs or estrogen as while taking no medicines. There are other rare causes for elevated FSH. For this reason, it is important that you be evaluated carefully by your physician.