Understanding Perimenopause Test: A Key Tool to Diagnose the start of Menopause
Perimenopause, the pre-menopausal phase in women, typically occurs between the late 30s and early 50s.
Determining whether Perimenopause has begun can be challenging due to its nature as a transitional phase rather than a specific point in age.
A Perimenopausal test serves as an indicator of Perimenopause related changes in the body.
Let us learn about various Perimenopause tests, their significance, and their advantages during this crucial transitional period.
Hormonal changes during Perimenopause
A decline in ovarian hormone secretion and reproductive fertility marks the onset of the Menopausal phase.
To better understand the Perimenopause tests, it is beneficial to familiarize ourselves with the hormones that experience fluctuations during this phase.
Ovarian Follicle numbers decline significantly as a part of the normal physiologic process of aging among women.
As women advance through Menopause, Estrogen hormone production gradually declines.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) & Luteinizing Hormone(LH) production also fluctuate during the transition phase.
This fluctuation varies with the stage of Menopause.
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH), an indicator of ovarian follicular reserve, is also observed to decline throughout a woman’s reproductive lifespan.
Diagnosing Perimenopause
The appearance of Menopausal symptoms typically indicates the initiation of Perimenopause.
Certain Perimenopausal tests in conjunction with the symptoms can provide a clear picture of the Menopausal status of a woman.
Types of Perimenopause Tests
The emergence of Menopausal symptoms is a result of changes in the reproductive system of the body.
These symptoms signify that you may be approaching or have already entered this transitional phase.
There are various kinds of tests that can be performed to confirm the cause of these symptoms.
Sometimes, non Menopausal complications can cause symptoms identical to those of the Menopausal phase, leading to confusion.
Some tests are also done to rule out the possibility of a false diagnosis of Perimenopause.
These tests can be done using your blood, urine, or saliva.
Some Perimenopause tests measure individual Hormone levels, while others measure a combination of those to draw out the results.
The Hormones that are primarily checked for changes include:
- Estrogen
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Luteinizing Hormone(LH)
- Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)
These Hormones can typically be evaluated using a sample of your blood, urine or saliva.
Your doctor may also consider a few supplementary tests to support the findings of hormone tests in order to make a precise diagnosis.
Some of these include:
Bone Density Evaluation
Estrogen hormone plays a significant role in maintaining bone structure in the body.
Its levels decline with the onset of Perimenopause, leading to less dense bones, making women more vulnerable to fractures.
A bone density test can strengthen Perimenopausal findings during the diagnosis.
Vagina pH Evaluation
Typically, the vaginal pH level is around 4.5 during the reproductive years.
However, as women enter the Menopausal transition phase, there is a shift in vaginal pH influenced by the levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH).
Vaginal pH level evaluation can also help your doctor to diagnose Perimenopause effectively.
A vaginal swab can be used to perform this procedure.
Thyroid Panel
The thyroid gland controls the body’s overall metabolism and can influence the reproductive system.
Common Menopause symptoms like fatigue, depression, mood swings, and sleep disturbances can also occur due to Hyperthyroidism, i.e., elevation in thyroid levels.
A Thyroid panel test may be conducted to rule out Hyperthyroidism.
This test is done using your blood sample.
Prolactin Hormone Test
Prolactin is a peptide hormone that stimulates cells of various organs.
Prolactin levels undergo an increment as a consequence of a decrease in Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone(LH).
Hence, the Prolactin hormone test can also be a tool to analyze Perimenopausal activity among women.
It is done using a blood sample from your body.
Available Perimenopause Test options
There is a range of Perimenopause tests available.
You can choose to use an at-home Perimenopausal test kit and discuss the results with your doctor to determine your Menopausal status.
Alternatively, you can have these tests conducted and evaluated at a clinic.
Here are some options for Perimenopausal tests that you can consider:
PicoAMH Elisa test
The PicoAMH Elisa test measures the levels of a Hormone called Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in the blood.
FDA has recently approved this test as an aid in determining the Menopausal status of a woman.
In females, AMH is manufactured by ovaries.
Perimenopause involves reduced ovarian function; hence decreased AMH levels can be a possible indicator of initiation of the Perimenopausal phase.
Perimenopause Panel Test
A Perimenopausal Panel Test is a combination test by Quest.
The Perimenopause Panel measures Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH), Estradiol, and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels in the blood.
Comparing the test results with the normal range of the Hormones aids in determining the current state of the Perimenopause transition phase.
Some other Perimenopause Test kits available in the market are:
- Everlywell Perimenopause Test uses a blood sample to check FSH, Estradiol, and LH levels.
- Thorne Menopause Test is a combination test that measures Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, and Cortisol levels by analyzing a saliva sample.
- myLAB Box Perimenopause Test evaluates FSH, Estradiol, and Progesterone levels using your blood sample.
A word of caution
Perimenopause is more of a gradual progression occurring subtly throughout a woman’s reproductive lifespan rather than a distinct point.
While the Perimenopause Tests mentioned earlier may indicate the onset, they should not be relied upon as sole determinants of Perimenopause.
A definitive diagnosis of perimenopause onset can only be made by considering the Perimenopause test results in combination with symptoms, age, and medical history.
Consulting a medical professional is highly recommended before deciding on a Perimenopause test.
Your doctor is best equipped to guide you in determining the most suitable diagnostic approach for your situation.
Takeaway
Perimenopause Test is used to measure Hormonal fluctuations and can aid in diagnosing the initiation of the Perimenopause phase.
PicoAMH Test, Perimenopause Panel Test, Everywell Perimenopause Test, and Thorne Menopause Test are a few at-home test options to measure Hormone levels.
Alternatively, you can get the test done at a clinic.
Bone Density Test, Thyroid Panel and Vaginal ph Evaluation can also be a supplementary aid in the diagnosis.
By combining the analysis of these tests with the observation of symptoms, age, and medical history, a comprehensive understanding of the menopausal transition can be obtained.
However, the Perimenopause Test alone is inadequate to make an accurate diagnosis of Perimenopause.
You can choose between at-home or in-clinic hormone tests.
It is highly recommended to consult a medical professional and obtain their expert opinion before administering a Perimenopause Test and interpreting its results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a blood test for Perimenopause?
A blood test can measure the fluctuations in Follicle-Stimulating hormone (FSH) and Estradiol levels, which typically occur during the Perimenopause phase. However, while a blood test provides supportive evidence, it is not the sole determinant of Perimenopause. Please consult your doctor for a precise diagnosis.
How do they test for Perimenopause?
A collective examination of medical history, hormone level changes, and symptoms such as changes in the menstrual cycle, hot flashes, and mood swings is done to diagnose Perimenopause. In some cases, an ultrasound may be used to rule out other conditions.
Is there a definitive test for Perimenopause?
While several tests, including blood and Thyroid tests, support the diagnosis, there is no definitive single Perimenopause test. These tests are used in combination with a thorough evaluation of symptoms and medical history to make a conclusive diagnosis of Perimenopause.
Can Perimenopause cause a positive pregnancy test?
No, Perimenopause does not typically cause a positive pregnancy test. Although pregnancy is still possible during this phase, the chances are slim. Hormonal changes in Perimenopause can cause irregular periods, leading to confusion with pregnancy. Perimenopause does not directly cause the production of the pregnancy Hormone hCG, detected in pregnancy tests.
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