How do follicle-stimulating hormone levels change after menopause?

Following the onset of menopause, the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the blood increase significantly.123

This rise occurs because the depletion of ovarian follicles leads to a substantial reduction in estrogen production. During a woman's reproductive years, estrogen provides feedback to the pituitary gland; however, as ovarian function declines and estrogen levels drop by at least 80 percent, this feedback mechanism is altered. The resulting increase in FSH secretion serves as evidence that the pituitary gland remains functional despite the marked decline in ovarian activity.12