At which stage of life is FSH concentration typically highest in women?

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration in women is typically highest during the menopause stage of life. This is due to the body's response to decreased ovarian function. As women approach menopause, their ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone, leading to a reduction in feedback inhibition to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Consequently, the body responds by increasing the secretion of FSH in an attempt to stimulate the ovaries, which are no longer functioning adequately.

While FSH is present and has important functions during the reproductive age, pregnancy, and adolescence, its levels are significantly elevated during menopause due to the hormonal changes associated with the end of ovarian activity. During adolescence, FSH levels begin to rise as the body transitions into reproductive maturity, but they are not at their peak. In contrast, during pregnancy, FSH levels are suppressed due to high levels of estrogen and progesterone, which prevent ovulation and the further development of follicles. Therefore, menopause is the stage characterized by the highest concentrations of FSH in women.