In the diagnosis of menopause, what relationship is observed between estrogen and FSH levels?

In the diagnosis of menopause, the relationship observed is one of low estrogen levels accompanied by high levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). As a woman approaches menopause, the ovaries gradually diminish their production of estrogen due to depletion of ovarian follicles. This decline in estrogen is an indicator of the transition towards menopause.

The hypothalamus and pituitary gland sense the low levels of estrogen and respond by increasing the production of FSH. The purpose of this hormonal mechanism is for the body to attempt to stimulate the ovaries to produce more estrogen; however, because the ovarian reserve is depleted, this increase in FSH is not sufficient to raise estrogen levels back to normal. Thus, in this context, the combination of low estrogen and high FSH levels is a hallmark of menopause and is used as a key component in diagnosing the condition.

Other relationships such as high estrogen levels paired with low FSH, normal levels of estrogen with low FSH, or high levels of both hormones do not accurately reflect the hormonal changes occurring during menopause. Such patterns signify other physiological states rather than menopause itself.