Tests
Not all women going through or who have gone through menopause will have laboratory 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 a woman is approaching, transitioning, or has gone through menopause; in general, the FSH level rises during transition.
- 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
- Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH): to predict the onset of menopause and/or when a woman is concerned about the related loss of fertility
Additional tests that may be ordered include:
- Lipid profile: to test for increasing triglycerides and LDL ("bad") cholesterol and decreasing HDL ("good") cholesterol to assess risk associated with cardiovascular disease
- Complete blood count (CBC): to determine the adequacy of the number of red and white blood cells in the blood
- Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP): to test liver and kidney function, especially when considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Blood pressure check: to screen for high blood pressure (hypertension)
As estrogen levels drop, bones can get weaker. For guidelines on bone density testing, see the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
