Menopause - Menopause Test
If you're a woman approaching or entering menopause, you may have heard about a test that can help you determine if you are indeed menopause or perimenopause. But does it really work?
Women taking the test should know that this test won't give you a definitive "Yes! This hot flash means you are in menopause!" Rather, the home-use kit actually measures the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), a hormone manufactured by your body's pituitary gland. FHS levels escalate monthly to stimulate the ovaries for egg production. However, when a woman enters menopause and the ovaries close up shop, the FSH levels also rise.
This test will tell you whether or not you have an increase in FSH levels; it will not be able to tell if a woman is indeed in menopause or perimenopause, the phase leading up to menopause that can last up to 10 years. However, 9 out of 10 times, this test accurately detects FSH levels, so it is a good indicator if a woman is looking to find out if her menopause like-symptoms (hot flashes, irregular periods, sleep issues, etc.) are indeed menopause.
If you receive a positive result from the test, do not assume you are in menopause and toss all contraceptives out the window! Test results can be impacted by factors such as drinking large amounts of water before testing, whether or not you tested first thing in the morning, or if you just quit taking certain contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy or estrogen supplements.
Whether you receive a positive or a negative on the test, you should seek your physician's counsel if you are having symptoms that are indicators of menopause.
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