Should You Use a Menopause Test Kit?

If you are unsure whether your new symptoms are due to menopause or a different health concern, you might consider using a menopause test kit. First, let's go over some of those symptoms and the reasons behind them.

What Causes Menopause?

As women grow older, their ovaries age, and there is reduced response of estrogen production to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone. As a result, there is a reduced serum level of estrogen and progesterone. Consequently, there are serious physical, emotional, and metabolic implications of low serum estrogen and progesterone levels.

Estrogen plays an essential role in the regulation of bone density and in the female reproductive system. Reduced estrogen level is associated with vaginal atrophy, as estrogen regulates the vasculature of the female reproductive system. The more severe implications of estrogen deficiency are cardiovascular problems such as hypertension, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, osteoporosis, and malignancies like breast cancer.

What Changes Occur During Menopause?

Most women during menopause complain of hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, reduced libido, migraines, clammy skin, mood swings, anxiety, memory lapses, and fatigue. In some women, these symptoms may be so severe that they might seek medical help in the form of hormone replacement therapy. However, proper diet, reduced alcohol consumption and smoking, coupled with exercise, can be sufficient to reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms.

Menopause Test Kit

The menopause test kit offers an at-home test to help you determine if you are in or nearing menopause. We have a complex hormonal system that guides the body through all of our developmental processes. Because of this system, we can use the presence of hormones to learn more about our body’s stage in life. 

These kits test the urine for the presence of follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH. FSH is the hormone that directs the ovaries to develop a follicle that will become an egg. In menopause, this level is expected to be high as the ovaries are less responsive than they were in our younger years. 

Unfortunately, menopausal test kits are not completely reliable. The levels of FSH can fluctuate widely when a woman experiences irregular periods and may not correlate with the actual changes happening in the body. 

The most important and reliable way to determine if you are in menopause is by listening to your body. If you are nearing 12 months without a period or are experiencing extreme menopause symptoms, this is a better indicator of how your body is adjusting than a hormone test. Your doctor can help you understand your symptoms and determine the best treatment plan for you. 

For some, the symptoms of menopause require additional care and treatment. These are the most common menopausal treatments available:

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy is a commonly prescribed treatment for women with severe hot flashes. Estrogen and progestin are supplemented to help your body’s hormones find a more stable balance. Estrogen can help protect against rapid bone loss during menopause, there are some potential cardiovascular risks for some patients. Discuss with your doctor if hormone therapy is right for you. 

Vaginal Estrogen

For women who experience vaginal dryness and painful intercourse, a vaginal estrogen supplement can help to reduce pain and dryness. Estrogen is delivered via a cream, tablet, or ring directly to the vagina to help nourish the area directly to the effected tissues. 

Other Medications

In addition to hormone therapy, other medications have been used to address the symptoms of menopause. Low dose antidepressants have shown to reduce hot flashes and ease signs of mood changes.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a key vitamin for preventing bone loss and maintaining overall health. Some doctors prescribe a vitamin D supplement to support women who may suffer from osteoporosis or to prevent potential fractures. 

Complementary Therapies

Menopause has a wide range of symptoms that can be helped with the use of holistic therapies. Acupuncture is often used to help balance hormones and address hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia. Nutritional therapy can be helpful to promote a heart and bone healthy diet for women going through menopause.