Menopause

Not all women going through or who have gone through menopause will have testing done. However, women with menopausal symptoms who may have premature ovarian failure or who are being evaluated for risk of other health problems, such as osteoporosis, may have one or more of the following tests ordered:

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): to learn whether she is approaching or has gone through menopause
• Estradiol: to measure ovarian production of estrogen and to evaluate whether the menstrual cycle is normal
• Thyroid function testing (free T4 and TSH): to test the function of the thyroid gland, which can slow with age, affect menstruation, and cause some symptoms similar to those seen with menopause

Additional tests that may be ordered include:

• Lipid profile: to test for triglycerides and the good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol levels in the blood to assess for cardiovascular disease
• Complete blood count (CBC): to determine the adequacy of the number of red and white blood cells in the blood
• Chemistry tests for liver and kidney function, especially when considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Blood pressure check

As estrogen levels drop, bones can get weaker. For guidelines on bone density testing, see the National Osteoporosis Foundation.