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During menopause, hormonal fluctuations become more noticeable, often starting during the late 40s or early 50s.
Menopause is defined as the natural phase that occurs when the ovaries cease egg production, signaling the end of fertility. In the years leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, the menstrual cycle progressively changes before periods stop entirely.
The menopause profile we provide at our Clinic is, thus, designed to assist women in understanding various conditions that may arise before or after even menopause, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders.
A menopause profile test measures key female hormones to give your doctor insights into their present levels. This straightforward blood test helps detect hormonal imbalances, as levels that are too high or too low can lead to significant health problems.
By analyzing your hormone levels, your doctor can assess your fertility, identify the causes of tiredness and unexplained weight gain and detect potential problems earlier. Women aged 40 and above should consider menopause profile testing, as hormonal changes during this stage are often substantial.
The ideal time to undergo a menopause profile test is on day three of your menstrual cycle (with day one being the first day of bleeding). This provides the most accurate results.
For women with irregular periods, it's recommended to wait until you get your period to obtain the most accurate outcomes from the test. On the other hand, menopause profile testing can be done at any time for those who no longer have their periods, although interpreting the results may be more challenging.
A menopause profile tests assess oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone hormones.
FSH plays a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle and the production of eggs by the ovaries. FSH levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, with the highest levels occurring just before ovulation.
FSH is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain, and its levels rise as menopause starts while other hormone levels decrease. Testing FSH is important as it can help diagnose the onset of menopause, pituitary gland tumors, abnormal menstrual bleeding, ovarian function issues and infertility.
Oestrogen is the primary female sex hormone responsible for regulating secondary sexual characteristics as well as the female reproductive system. There are three types of oestrogen in the body: oestriol, oestradiol, and oestrone.
Oestradiol is commonly tested and is considered the most significant, as it is the most active form of oestrogen. While the ovaries primarily produce oestradiol, the adrenal cortex and testes contribute to its production. Also, oestradiol influences ovulation, conception, and pregnancy, and its levels gradually decrease as menopause approaches.
On the other hand, oestradiol affects bones, skin, fat, and parts of the body. Testing oestradiol levels is important for determining if menopause has begun; however, it can also indicate other conditions. Elevated oestradiol levels may lead to decreased libido, obesity, and fatigue, while low levels can signal reduced pituitary function, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or anorexia.
Testosterone, produced in small amounts by the adrenal glands and ovaries, is typically about one-tenth the amount in males. Testosterone levels tend to decrease during menopause, potentially leading to symptoms such as reduced libido, fatigue and depression.
Testing levels of testosterone is vital, as elevated levels could indicate conditions like ovarian cancer, adrenal gland cancer, or PCOS.
LH is important for regulating the menstrual cycle. It is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain and signals the ovaries to release an egg during ovulation. LH levels usually peak just before ovulation.
Testing LH levels can help diagnose infertility causes, determine the timing of ovulation, and indicate whether perimenopause or menopause has begun. High LH levels are often linked to conditions like PCOS or Turner syndrome, which can lead to infertility. On the other hand, low LH levels may suggest a problem with the pituitary gland.
20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3DL
020 7183 2362