What can I expect from Menopause Hormones Profile?
The Menopause Hormones Profile is a test that measures the levels of Oestradiol, Luteinising Hormone and Follicle Stumlating Hormone to confirm if you are in the menopause.
It also includes Thyroid Stimulating Hormone as it is not uncommon that thyroid problems can cause similar symptoms as the menopause.
Menopause is a natural process that occurs in women as they age, typically between the ages of 45 and 55. The ovaries stop producing eggs and the levels of hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone, decrease.
It is the big drop in oestradiol that causes most of the symptoms of menopause with may include:
- hot flushes, when you have sudden feelings of hot or cold in your face, neck and chest which can make you dizzy
- changes to your mood, like low mood, anxiety, mood swings and low self-esteem
- problems with memory or concentration (brain fog)
- difficulty sleeping, which may be a result of night sweats and make you feel tired and irritable during the day
- palpitations, when your heartbeats suddenly become more noticeable
- headaches and migraines that are worse than usual
- muscle aches and joint pains
- changed body shape and weight gain
- skin changes including dry and itchy skin
- reduced sex drive
- vaginal dryness and pain, itching or discomfort during sex
- recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- sensitive teeth, painful gums or other mouth problems
Periods may become irregular, heavier before stoping altogether.
Thankfully, Hormone Replacement Therapy can help most women with many of the symptoms and it is worth speaking to a doctor about this.
This test can be performed on a finger-prick home sample as well as with a phlebotomy sample.