Menopause Blood Test
Menopause Blood Test
Menopause Blood Test
Menopause Blood Test
Menopause Blood Test
Menopause Blood Test, from our experts to you.
Dr Sam Rodgers MBBS, MRCGP

Chief Medical Officer meet our doctors

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What is
menopause?

Menopause is when your periods stop. It can be a difficult time emotionally, mentally, and physically. You may experience symptoms that range from mood swings and anxiety to fatigue, weight gain, and hot flushes. Generally, women reach menopause around the age of 51, but you may find that your symptoms start much earlier during perimenopause (menopause transition).

Can you diagnose
menopause with a blood test?

Our Menopause Blood Test assesses the likelihood that you're going through menopause by measuring FSH, LH, and oestradiol. As egg production declines, your levels of FSH will rise. However, due to significant fluctuations in FSH around the time of menopause, there is a chance that this test may show normal pre-menopausal levels. As well as your menopausal status, this test checks your thyroid function. Symptoms of a thyroid condition and menopause can be similar - and it is not uncommon for a thyroid condition to develop in the 40s or 50s.

Who should take a
menopause test?

We recommend this test if you're aged 40-45 and are experiencing menopausal symptoms or if you're under 40 and suspect you're going through menopause.

What's Included?

Hormones
Thyroid hormones
Select profile for more information
FSH Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is produced in the pituitary gland and is important for women in the production of eggs by the ovaries and for men for men in the production of sperm. In the first half of the menstrual cycle in women, FSH stimulates the enlargement of follicles within the ovaries. Each of these follicles will help to increase oestradiol levels. One follicle will become dominant and will be released by the ovary (ovulation), after which follicle stimulating hormone levels drop during the second half of the menstrual cycle. In men, FSH acts on the seminiferous tubules of the testicles where they stimulate immature sperm cells to develop into mature sperm.
LH Luteinising Hormone (LH) is produced by the pituitary gland and is important for male and female fertility. In women it governs the menstrual cycle, peaking before ovulation. In men it stimulates the production of testosterone.
Oestradiol Oestradiol is a female steroid hormone, produced in the ovaries of women and to a much lesser extent in the testes of men. It is the strongest of three oestrogens and is responsible for the female reproductive system as well as the growth of breast tissue and bone thickness. In pre-menopausal women, oestradiol levels vary throughout the monthly cycle, peaking at ovulation. In women, oestradiol levels decline with age, culminating with the menopause when the ovaries stop producing eggs. Low oestradiol can cause many symptoms associated with the menopause, including hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings. Low oestradiol can also cause osteoporosis.
TSH Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced in the pituitary gland in order to regulate the production of thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) by the thyroid gland. If thyroid hormones in the blood are low, then more TSH is produced to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more of them. If thyroid hormone levels are high, then the pituitary produces less TSH to slow the production of thyroid hormones. If TSH is too high or too low, it normally signifies that there is a problem with the thyroid gland which is causing it to under or over produce thyroid hormones. Sometimes a disorder of the pituitary gland can also cause abnormal TSH levels.
Free thyroxine Thyroxine (T4) is one of two hormones produced by the thyroid gland. It works to speed up the rate of your metabolism. Most T4 is bound to carrier proteins in the blood - it is only the free, or unbound, T4 that is active in the body, which is measured in this test. Free T4 is the less active of the two main thyroid hormones. To have an impact on your cells it needs to convert to the more active T3 when your body needs it.

How to prepare
for your test?

Special Instructions

Prepare for your Menopause Blood Test by following these instructions. Please take your sample before 10am. Take this test two to five days after the start of your period, ideally on day three. It can be taken any time if you do not have periods. Hormonal contraception can affect this test, taking a break from this and using barrier contraception will give more accurate results. If you use hormone gels, pessaries, patches, or tablets, we strongly recommend selecting a venous sample to minimise contamination sometimes seen with finger-prick tests. Otherwise, administer any hormone supplements using gloves, and make sure your fingers have not been in contact with hormone supplements for at least four weeks before taking the test. Hormones can be absorbed deep within the skin even after minimal contact and remain there for weeks despite vigorous handwashing. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed.

Frequently asked questions

Can a blood test confirm menopause?

 There is no specific blood test to confirm menopause but it can give an indication alongside symptoms. If you have had no period for over 12 months then it is likely you are menopausal. However, if you are under 45, a blood test may be used to help determine whether your lack of periods is down to menopause, or a health condition that mimics similar symptoms to menopause, such as a thyroid condition.

Do I need to fast for a Menopause Blood Test?

No. There is no need to fast when doing a menopause test. However, if you are taking certain medications or using any hormone gels, please see the special instructions section and state this in your health information in MyMedichecks.

Does a blood test show perimenopause?

 A Menopause Blood Test measures important hormones such as LH, FSH, and oestradiol. Measuring these biomarkers can give an indication of perimenopause but it cannot be diagnosed through a blood test alone. Your doctor will use these results alongside your family and medical history to help advise the next steps.
Menopause v perimenopause