Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw from arm
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 1-2 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Skip the wait - Get hormone answers without lengthy doctor appointments or insurance delays
- Complete hormone picture - Measures FSH, LH, estradiol, and TSH for comprehensive assessment
- High accuracy testing - FSH shows 89-99% diagnostic accuracy for menopause detection
- Privacy and convenience - Results delivered directly to you in your secure patient portal
- Cost-effective alternative - Avoid expensive office visits while getting the same lab quality
Who Is This Test For?
- Women aged 40-60 experiencing irregular periods, hot flashes, or mood changes
- Those wanting objective confirmation their symptoms are menopause-related
- Women considering hormone replacement therapy who need baseline measurements
- Anyone with family history of early menopause seeking proactive monitoring
- Those experiencing sleep disturbances, fatigue, or unexplained weight changes
- Women whose symptoms might overlap with thyroid disorders
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Choose your test and find a nearby lab location
- Visit the lab - Quick blood draw, any time of day
- Get results - Secure online access in 1-2 business days
FAQ
What hormones does this panel measure? FSH, LH, estradiol, and TSH to assess menopause status and thyroid function.
Do I need to time this test with my menstrual cycle? No special timing required, though noting your cycle day can help with interpretation.
How accurate is this test for diagnosing menopause? FSH testing shows 89-99% diagnostic accuracy when combined with clinical symptoms.
Will this test work if I'm on birth control? Hormonal contraceptives can affect results - consult your provider about timing.
What if my results are borderline? Repeat testing in 3-6 months may be recommended for clearer assessment.
Can this replace seeing my doctor? This test provides valuable data, but professional consultation is recommended for treatment planning.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Menopause Blood Test Panel 1 measures key reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, estradiol) and thyroid function (TSH) to determine if symptoms are related to menopause or other hormonal conditions. As women age, ovarian function declines, causing FSH levels to rise while estradiol levels fall—changes that indicate the menopausal transition (NICHD 2012). This objective hormone measurement complements clinical symptoms to help confirm menopausal status and guide treatment decisions.
With 6,000 women entering menopause daily in the United States and over 75% experiencing troublesome symptoms, this test provides crucial biological data during a significant life transition (Impacts of Menopause 2024).
Who would benefit from this test?
Women experiencing unexplained symptoms that may be menopause-related particularly benefit from this testing. The panel is especially valuable for those aged 40-60 with irregular periods, hot flashes, mood changes, or sleep disturbances who want objective confirmation of their menopausal status.
Additional candidates include women with family history of early menopause, those considering hormone replacement therapy, and individuals whose symptoms might overlap with thyroid disorders. Since hyperthyroidism affects 8-10% of women in their 50s-60s and shares symptoms with menopause, including TSH testing helps distinguish between conditions (PMC 2023).
When should I order Menopause Blood Test Panel 1?
Consider ordering this test when experiencing symptoms that may indicate hormonal changes, particularly if periods have become irregular or stopped. Common indicators include hot flashes affecting up to 85% of menopausal women, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, or sleep disturbances (Medical News Today 2024).
The test is also appropriate before initiating hormone replacement therapy to establish baseline levels, or when symptoms are atypical and differential diagnosis is needed. Since early menopause increases cardiovascular disease risk by 3.3-fold, testing becomes important if menopause is suspected before age 45 (PMC 2023).
How do I interpret the results?
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
- Pre-menopause range: 4.7-21.5 IU/L
- Post-menopause range: 25.8-134.8 IU/L
- What it indicates: Levels >30 suggest menopause
Estradiol
- Pre-menopause range: 15-350 pg/mL
- Post-menopause range: <20 pg/mL
- What it indicates: Low levels indicate declining ovarian function
LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
- Pre-menopause range: 2-15 IU/L
- Post-menopause range: 15-65 IU/L
- What it indicates: Elevated levels support menopausal transition
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
- Pre-menopause and post-menopause range: 0.4-4.0 mIU/L
- What it indicates: Abnormal levels may mimic menopause symptoms
Professional consultation is recommended for complete interpretation, as results should be considered alongside clinical symptoms and medical history.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required for menopause hormone testing, unlike glucose or lipid panels. You can take the test at any time of day and continue regular medications unless specifically contraindicated by your healthcare provider.
Stay well-hydrated before your blood draw and avoid scheduling during acute illness, which may affect hormone levels. If you're still having menstrual periods, noting your current cycle day can help with result interpretation, though it's not required for FSH testing (Harvard Health 2024).
How often should I get tested?
- Initial symptom evaluation: Baseline test, repeat in 3-6 months if borderline
- Monitoring perimenopause: Every 6-12 months during transition period
- On hormone therapy: Annual monitoring recommended
- Post-menopause maintenance: As part of annual health screening
Why early detection matters
Early detection of menopausal transition enables proactive health management during a critical period. Women with early menopause (before age 45) face significantly increased health risks, including 357% higher risk of vertebral fractures and elevated cardiovascular disease risk (PMC 2023).
Identifying hormonal changes early allows for timely interventions to protect bone health, cardiovascular function, and overall quality of life. With 13.4% of women aged 45-60 reporting adverse work outcomes due to menopause symptoms, early detection supports both health and professional well-being (Impacts of Menopause 2024).
Related tests you may consider
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Thyroid #1 Baseline Blood Test Panel - Evaluates healthy thyroid function and screens for thyroid disorders.
Vitamin D 1,25 Dihydroxy (Calcitriol) Blood Test - Checks the active form of vitamin D in your body, helping to find problems related to bone health and vitamin D levels, especially if you have symptoms like bone pain or muscle weakness.
