Ovarian Removal & FSH Levels: Understanding Menopause

Question
If a woman underwent surgical removal of her ovaries, would this affect the production of follicle stimulating hormone?

Answer
If the ovaries are removed, the woman IMMEDIATELY goes into menopause. FSH rises because there is no feedback mechanism to stop the production of the FSH in the pituitary gland. One of the tests we use to determine if a woman has reached menopause is to check the value of FSH. If it is elevated, we know that the patient has reached menopause.