Description
Menopause is the stage in your life, between the ages of 45 and 55, when your periods finally stop due to lower hormone levels. It happens naturally, unless you have had surgery to remove the ovaries or the uterus, had cancer treatments like chemotherapy, or you have a genetic reason. Sometimes the reason can be unknown.
Symptoms of the menopause include anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, hot flushes and irregular periods.
Perimenopause is when you have symptoms of the menopause before your periods have stopped.
This test is for you if you are you experiencing symptoms such as:
- hot flushes
- brain fog
- night sweats
- mood swings
- irregular periods
- your mother or your sister experienced an early menopause and you want to know if you might be affected too
This Menopause Blood Test measures levels of key hormones such as FSH, LH and oestradiol.
Levels of FSH rise in women as egg production declines, so it may be used in certain circumstances to assess the likelihood of whether a woman is going through the menopause.
The National Institute for Health & Care Excellence (NICE) recommend that FSH testing is only considered to diagnose menopause in women aged 40-45 with menopausal symptoms (including a change in their menstrual cycle) or in women under the age of 40 in whom menopause is suspected.
You should not take this test if you are taking a contraceptive containing oestrogen and progestogen or high‑dose progestogen because the contraceptive changes your natural FSH levels.
Due to significant fluctuation in FSH levels around the time of menopause, there is a chance that this test may show normal pre-menopause levels of FSH in someone who is going through, or has been through, the menopause.
Thyroid hormones are also included as menopausal and thyroid symptoms can be similar. It is not uncommon for a thyroid condition to develop in a woman’s 40’s or 50’s so this test can give an insight into whether symptoms are due to menopause, thyroid or both.
Please remember though, these tests are not a substitute for seeing your doctor. Our doctors will interpret your results based on the information you have provided, but will not diagnose, consult or provide any treatment. You will be advised to see your doctor for any necessary follow-up action.
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