Menopause is the phase in a woman’s life during which her period stops permanently, and as a result, ovulation no longer occurs (meaning conception is no longer possible). When a woman enters menopause depends on many factors and is not the same for everyone.

One thing, however, is certain. Menopause is not a single moment. It is an entire phase during which hormone levels change. Therefore, there is a (usually long) transitional period called perimenopause (or climacteric), during which the woman’s body gradually prepares for the end of ovulation and, consequently, fertility.

For a woman who wants to get pregnant, it is extremely important to know whether perimenopause has begun. This way, she can consult a doctor before entering menopause permanently.

In fact, it is very simple and inexpensive to find this out without even doing blood tests. With the FSH test she can learn this within seconds and take the appropriate measures.

Let’s look in more detail below at everything you need to know and when you should take the menopause test.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

The symptoms of menopause include:

  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Insomnia
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Mood changes
  • Weight gain
  • Reduced sexual desire

A woman who has not yet entered menopause but is in perimenopause may experience all of the above symptoms—or none. The most classic symptom of perimenopause is that menstrual cycles become irregular, lasting shorter or longer than usual.

However, a woman may also have absolutely no symptoms. This is a major problem in cases of premature menopause, which can occur at a young age (early 40s or even in the 30s).

Therefore, if you are trying to conceive, the test that detects FSH hormone levels is essential.

How does the FSH test work?

The FSH test detects elevated levels of the FSH hormone. This is the follicle-stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland at the beginning of the cycle. If a woman is in the phase before menopause, FSH levels will be high (above 23 mIU/ml, while normal levels are 3–10 mIU/ml).

This happens because the woman’s egg reserve is low, so the body tries hard to mature the follicles, significantly increasing FSH levels.

The menopause test, therefore, reflects this elevated FSH, and the possible results can be three:

  • Negative test: No line appears in the results area, meaning FSH levels are below 10 mIU/ml and ovarian function is normal.
  • Faint line: Levels are above 10 but below 20 mIU/ml. This indicates reduced ovarian function and low egg quality.
  • Strong line: FSH levels are above 20 mIU/ml, indicating ovarian insufficiency and menopause.


Why is ovulation testing not recommended during menopause?

The ovulation test detects the rise of the LH hormone (luteinizing hormone), which increases sharply 24–36 hours before ovulation.

However, in menopause, LH—just like FSH—remains permanently high. Therefore, the test will show a positive result, but this does not indicate ovulation during menopause.

If the ovulation test is positive for more than 2 days, you must contact your gynecologist for further examinations.

When should I take the FSH test?

In general, any woman trying to conceive should take the test (at the beginning of her cycle) to determine whether her hormone levels are normal. This applies even to women in their 30s, especially if there is a family history of premature menopause.

Every woman over 40 who wants to preserve her fertility should take the FSH test, so she can take the appropriate measures if she is near menopause.

Can I get pregnant with a positive menopause test?

First of all, it is important to clarify that a positive FSH test does not mean a woman can no longer have children. It shows that ovarian function has decreased significantly. However, this is a process that can be medically managed to a large extent, as long as it is detected early.

After all, a woman’s fertility is not something that exists one moment and disappears the next. It declines gradually until it eventually stops. The truth is that ovulation does not occur during menopause, but it does occur during perimenopause.

This is why we may hear about a woman who became pregnant “during menopause.” Obviously, she had not yet fully entered menopause and still had ovulation.

However, we must note that reduced ovarian function and low egg reserve are also associated with egg quality. That is, a woman may still be ovulating, but the egg may not be of sufficient quality to lead to pregnancy.

In any case, premature menopause and pregnancy are not impossible, and we have even heard of women of advanced age who conceived naturally. Although IVF is not always the only solution, in women with menopause or premature menopause, IVF may ensure that the best-quality eggs are selected, increasing the chances of pregnancy.

In any case, it is essential to contact your doctor immediately if you see a positive FSH test, so they can guide you properly.