Hormone tests can be helpful in diagnosing menopausal symptoms in certain situations, especially if the symptoms are unclear or to rule out other possible causes for occurring symptoms. During menopause, the production of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone decreases. This can in turn lead to changes in the production of other hormones. However, the diagnosis of menopause is mainly based on symptoms and menstrual history.
Hormone testing can be useful if a woman has symptoms of early menopause (before the age of 40) or late menopause (after the age of 55), if the symptoms are not clear or unusually severe, or to rule out other conditions such as thyroid or pituitary dysfunction.
In addition, hormone tests can support the planning of hormone replacement therapy in order to determine the optimal treatment based on the current hormone status.
Development of estradiol and FSH levels around the menopause. (Source: Human Reproductive Biology, 2014, Richard E. Jones und Kristin H. Lopez)
The most common hormone tests measure follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen levels. An elevated FSH level can indicate the onset of menopause as the body attempts to compensate for declining estrogen production.
In the perimenopause, however, a single estrogen and FSH measurement is not sufficient for diagnosis, as hormone levels can fluctuate greatly. Therefore, hormone tests should be interpreted together with a thorough assessment of clinical symptoms and medical history.
In general, the following points should be kept in mind when measuring hormone levels:
- Multiple measurements: For example, for the diagnosis of premature ovarian failure, measurement of FSH levels at two different time points 4-6 weeks apart is required.
- Time of measurement: The time of measurement can also be important, especially before menopause, as hormone levels differ at certain points in the menstrual cycle.
- Individual assessment: The measurement of hormone levels should be individualized based on the person's health conditions and symptoms and in a clinical context.
How should home hormone tests be assessed?
Over-the-counter tests, such as saliva hormone tests or urine tests to measure FSH levels, are inaccurate and therefore not recommended for confirming menopause. For an accurate assessment and appropriate treatment of menopause symptoms, a medical consultation is required.
