All blood draws are performed by trained phlebotomists
Menopause Blood Test
A menopause blood test, also known as a hormone panel or menopause hormone test, is conducted to assess hormone levels associated with menopause. Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, typically occurring in her late 40s to early 50s. Hormone levels change significantly during this transition, and a blood test can help confirm if a woman is approaching or has entered menopause.
Here are the hormones measured in the menopause blood test:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): FSH levels rise as the ovaries produce fewer eggs and become less responsive to hormonal signals from the pituitary gland. Elevated FSH levels are a characteristic marker of menopause.
- Oestradiol: Oestradiol is the primary form of oestrogen and is produced by the ovaries. Oestradiol levels decline as menopause approaches and eventually drop to very low levels after menopause.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH): LH levels also rise as menopause approaches due to decreased ovarian function. LH surge often accompanies the decline in oestrogen levels and is associated with symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Thyroid function can impact menopausal symptoms, so TSH levels may be included in the panel to assess thyroid function.
- Unbound thyroxine (T4): Unbound thyroxine, also known as free thyroxine, is a measure of the level of thyroid hormone circulating in the bloodstream that is not bound to proteins. It represents the biologically active form of thyroxine and is available for use by cells and tissues throughout the body. During menopause, changes in hormone levels can sometimes affect thyroid function and the production of thyroid hormones, including thyroxine. While menopause itself does not directly impact thyroid function, fluctuations in oestrogen levels can affect thyroid hormone-binding proteins, potentially influencing the levels of free thyroxine.
These hormone levels provide valuable information about a woman’s hormonal status and can help confirm if she is approaching or has reached menopause. However, it’s essential to interpret the results in the context of a woman’s symptoms and medical history, as hormonal changes can vary widely among individuals. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial for proper interpretation and guidance regarding menopausal symptoms and management options.
You should take this test after any symptoms of a short-term illness have settled.
- Drink plenty of water about an hour before the appointment.
- Avoid coffee/tea/energy drinks.
*Turnaround time
The tests take time to be delivered, prepared and analysed, therefore the turnaround time varies from test-to-test