Comprehensive Menopause
The menopause is a natural phase in life caused by a decrease in ovarian function. As the body produces less oestrogen, the risk of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis & obesity may increase.
Menopause brings a variety of symptoms, often linked to changing hormone levels, though similar symptoms can be related to other health conditions. That’s why a Menopause Test not only assesses hormone levels but also includes tests for other key health markers, such as iron, vitamin B12, and thyroid function, all of which can affect energy and mood. It also checks vitamin D & calcium, which are essential for bone health, and evaluates heart disease risk, as this can increase when oestrogen levels decline.
Hormones tested: Oestradiol, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, progesterone, prolactin, testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, free androgen index
Also includes a full lipid profile, full thyroid profile & vitamins & minerals profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare before my appointment for the menopause profile?
Recommended to fast. Please do not consume food or drink for 8 hours prior to the appointment. Non fasting can impact the following; heart health, cardiovascular risk score, diabetes health, or iron status.
I am taking hormones (HRT or hormonal contraception) will this have an effect on the results?
HRT or hormonal contraception, may affect your hormone test results. It will depend on which preparation you are taking and results can be discussed with either Dr. Hughes at a menopause or PCOS consultation or you may bring your blood test results to your GP for interpretation.
What is follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)?
FSH stimulates the production of oestradiol and promotes the development of ovarian follicles. FSH levels peak just before ovulation, with levels lower during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle to prevent the development of new follicles. Due to the fluctuation of FSH levels during the menstrual cycle, its is recommend levels are measured within the first 4 days of the cycle. A common reason for increased levels of FSH is the menopause.
What is luteinising hormone (LH)?
LH plays an important role in reproductive health. LH levels peak in the middle of the menstrual cycle triggering ovulation. Measurement alongside other hormones at the beginning of the cycle can help to identify a hormone imbalance that could be affecting ovulation.
What is oestradiol?
Oestradiol is the main form of oestrogen in the body. Oestradiol is essential for ovulation, conception and pregnancy, measuring your oestradiol levels can provide insight into ovarian function. Levels decrease significantly during menopause. If levels are too high it could indicate PCOS or endometriosis. Oestradiol can also protect against bone loss and aid in regulating cholesterol levels.
What is progesterone?
Progesterone plays an important role in preparing your body for pregnancy after ovulation. Levels increase when you ovulate, measuring your progesterone levels at a particular time in your cycle can therefore indicate if you have ovulated and releasing healthy eggs.
What is prolactin?
Prolactin plays a role in the menstrual cycle and also stimulates milk production during breastfeeding. Too much prolactin can impact the production of other hormones including FSH and LH and as such is important for reproductive health
What is testosterone?
Measuring your testosterone levels may help to determine the cause of symptoms such as oily skin, excess body hair and irregular periods. High levels are associated with conditions like PCOS.
What is sex hormone binding globulin?
SHBG helps to regulate testosterone and oestrogen levels.
What is the free androgen index?
Measurement of free androgen index is recommended for suspected hyperandrogenism in females.
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