What hormonal change is indicated by an elevated FSH level in a 52-year-old woman with menopausal symptoms?

An elevated FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) level in a 52-year-old woman experiencing menopausal symptoms indicates decreased ovarian reserve. As women approach menopause, the number of functioning ovarian follicles declines, leading to a decrease in the production of hormones such as estrogen and inhibin. These hormone changes result in less feedback inhibition on the pituitary gland, causing an increase in FSH levels.

In the context of menopause, elevated FSH is a physiological response to insufficient ovarian function. The ovaries produce less estrogen as they become less responsive to gonadotropins, which includes FSH. Consequently, the body compensates by ramping up FSH production, reflecting the diminished capacity of the ovaries to produce follicles and ultimately estrogen.

This hormonal pattern is a classic indicator of the transition into menopause and serves as a marker of a woman's reproductive status, specifically indicating that the ovaries are no longer able to produce eggs effectively.