What Is the Connection between Luteinizing Hormone and Menopause?

The luteinizing hormone and menopause are linked in a variety of ways, namely that this hormone is one which is commonly tested for in order to determine if a woman is entering menopause or peri-menopause. This, along with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), are often found in higher levels within the bloodstream in women who are approaching menopause. These women may also have much lower levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Luteinizing hormone generally works alongside follicle stimulating hormone to stabilize progesterone and estrogen levels during and after ovulation in fertile women. The reasons luteinizing hormone and menopause are connected, involve the desensitization of the ovaries to both luteinizing hormone and FSH. Once the ovaries become less sensitive to these hormones, the levels of estrogen and progesterone drop to well below normal. This also results in luteinizing hormone and FSH not being process as well, causing blood levels to be particularly high during this time.

These fluctuations in hormones are what cause most menopausal symptoms. Lack of luteinizing hormone and menopause symptoms are not directly related, but the lessened estrogen levels which result are a prime reason for issues like mood swings and night sweats. These symptoms can be treated in most women, either through natural supplementation or hormonal replacement therapy. Many women do not need long-term treatment, as hormones typically stabilize once menopause is complete.

Doctors may continue to test for luteinizing hormone and menopause symptoms at each visit. This is usually done through blood tests to check where hormone levels are so that both patients and doctors can keep track of progress over time. Women are also encouraged to keep close watch on their cycles. Once menses has been absent for an entire year menopause is said to have occurred. Until this time, periods may be sporadic.

Additional tests may also be needed at this time, primarily if irregular bleeding is an issue. Although hormonal changes are a common factor in bleeding between periods, this can also be indicative of an underlying condition. Fibroids and gynecological cancers are both most dominant in peri-menopausal and menopausal women, so these issues should be ruled out. An ultrasound and pelvic exam may be used to detect the presence of growths in the uterus or on the ovaries.