Testing for Menopause Signs
Many women opt to choose some type of testing for menopause when they believe they are beginning to experience signs and symptoms. Instead of living with the uncertainty of not being sure whether this special time in life has begun or not, you may prefer to look into testing for menopause. Some of the initial feelings that draw concern are hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, and weight gain. There are several different types of tests that a woman can use to determine hormone levels and the start of menopause. Which are some of these tests and do they really work?

The FSH Test for Menopausetesting for menopause picture
One of the tests for menopause is the Follicle Stimulating Hormone test. It measures the levels of these follicle stimulating hormones in your body which have to do with ovulation. In the typical monthly cycle these levels rise to cause the ovaries to release egg follicles, which then travel through the fallopian tubes for possible fertilization. As this happens and the FSH levels rise, estrogen levels then drop. Estrogen levels will begin to rise again and FSH levels drop when the egg is released and the body begins to prepare for either pregnancy or menstruation.

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FSH and Menopause
Testing for menopause determines whether there are particularly high levels of FSH hormones. This can indicate that the body is trying to stimulate ovulation but is unsuccessful. The ovulation process failing is one of the first signs of menopause. The normal FSH levels range from 5 to 25 mIU/mL. If the test results show a level higher than 25 mIU/mL this could mean one is entering perimenopause. Levels above 50 mIU/mL mean that one is in full fledged high FSH level menopause.

You can find FSH testing kits at your local pharmacy and online to find out if you should be concerned about any possible sign or symptom of menopause. They can come in urine or saliva sample testing kits. The urine tests provide quick results in your own home whereas the saliva tests have to be mailed to a lab. The FDA has approved both types of tests and the results are considered to be 90% accurate. Read the test directions thoroughly. These tests should be done on specific dates related to your menstrual cycle. Usually a follow up test is recommended five to seven days after the first one.

Progesterone and Estradiol Tests
Both of these types of hormones play vital parts in reproductive functions. Low levels of progesterone and estradiol, a type of estrogen, can signal the beginning symptoms of menopause. Usually these tests are saliva based but your doctor is able to perform a blood test if needed. These blood test to determine menopause is more accurate than a saliva test. Saliva tests can only measure free moving estrogen and progesterone. Typically these hormones are stored by being bound to other receptors and only blood tests can measure these bound hormones. Saliva tests are sent to a laboratory and the results are mailed back to you. When estrogen levels drop too low this could indicate the onset of menopause.

The Importance of Testing
Testing for menopause by having your hormone levels analyzed can give you a much needed explanation of the uncomfortable symptoms you’ve been experiencing. It can also help you get ready for other changes and health issues that come along with natural aging such as osteoporosis and heart disease. Keep in mind that the FDA has approved these at-home menopause testing kits. Familiarize yourself with the types of hormones these tests analyze.

All these hormones play important roles in the reproductive system but you should select a test that will provide the type of results you’re most interested in. Another suggestion is to take these tests on a regular basis over time to get more accurate results. Abnormal hormone levels can also indicate other complications. These tests are only to provide measurements of hormone levels that could possibly indicate one is experiencing the onset signs of menopause.

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