Hormone Level Testing
Hormone Level Testing for Menopause
Gaining Clarity: The Role of Hormone Testing in Menopause
One of the most common questions women have as they enter midlife is, “Can a blood test tell me if I’m in menopause?” It’s a logical question, but the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While hormone level testing can be a valuable tool in specific situations, it’s important to understand its role—and its limitations.
For most women over the age of 45, the diagnosis of perimenopause or menopause is a clinical one, based on your age and the classic symptoms you are experiencing. In this case, blood tests are often not necessary to begin treatment. However, in certain circumstances, testing your hormone levels can provide crucial information to clarify your diagnosis and guide our treatment strategy.
At MyMenopauseSupport.org, I use hormone testing judiciously and purposefully, ensuring we gather the precise data needed to create your most effective and personalised care plan.
Safety Assessment
When is Hormone Level Testing Helpful?
While not always required, a blood test to check your hormone levels can be an essential diagnostic tool in the following situations:
For Women Under 45
If you are under 45 and experiencing menopausal symptoms, hormone testing is important to confirm a diagnosis of perimenopause and to rule out other potential causes for your symptoms.
For Suspected Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
For women under 40 who have stopped having periods, hormone tests are essential to diagnose POI, a condition that requires a specific and proactive long-term health strategy.
Complex or Atypical Symptoms
If your symptoms don't fit a typical pattern, blood tests can help to complete the clinical picture.
To Guide Testosterone Therapy
This is a key use for hormone testing. Before starting testosterone therapy, we must check your baseline levels. We then re-test after a few months of treatment to ensure your levels are within the optimal, safe range for a woman.
When Using a Hormonal Coil (IUS)
If you have a hormonal coil and your periods have stopped, it can be difficult to know where you are in your menopause journey. A blood test can provide valuable insight.
Hormones Test
Which Hormones Do We Test?
A simple blood test can measure the levels of key hormones in your system.
