Table of Contents
- Overview of Menopause testing
- Parameters and Diagnostic Criteria
- Traditional Testing Methods
- Company Solutions for Menopause Testing
- References
Overview of Menopause Testing
Menopause testing is crucial for determining the onset of menopause, which marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. Diagnosis is usually based on clinical evaluations, hormonal assessments, and symptom analysis.
Parameters and Diagnostic Criteria
The following parameters are typically assessed to diagnose menopause:
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): An FSH level consistently above 30 mIU/mL is indicative of menopause.
- Estradiol (E2): Levels typically fall below 30 pg/mL during menopause.
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Elevated levels are often observed but are less specific than FSH.
Traditional Testing Methods
Clinicians employ several traditional methods to test for menopause, including:
- Blood Tests: Regular tests to measure levels of FSH, estradiol, and LH.
- Thyroid Function Tests: These ensure symptoms are not due to thyroid issues, as hypothyroidism can mimic menopausal symptoms.
- Lipid Profile and Bone Density Tests: These assess the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular conditions associated with menopause.
Company Solutions for Menopause Testing
Several companies offer innovative solutions for menopause testing that provide convenience and precision.
- Modern Fertility: Offers at-home testing kits that measure hormone levels, providing insights into menopausal status. The tests focus on FSH and estradiol levels and offer mobile app integration for results.
- Everlywell: Provides complete at-home testing kits to determine hormonal levels. The results include FSH, LH, and estradiol measurement, accessible through an online platform.
- LetsGetChecked: Delivers easy-to-use kits that can be used to test estradiol and FSH levels from the comfort of home, with results available on their patient portal.
References
- North American Menopause Society. Menopause Practice: A Clinician's Guide.
- Palacios S, Henderson VW, Siseles N, Tan D, Villaseca P. Age of menopause and impact of climacteric symptoms by geographical region. Climacteric. 2010;13(5):419-28.
- Burger HG, Hale GE, Robertson DM, Dennerstein L. A review of hormonal changes during the menopausal transition: focus on findings from the Melbourne Women's Midlife Health Project. Hum Reprod Update. 2007;13(6):559-65.