Blood & Hormone Testing
Why Blood Tests Matter for Menopause – Beyond Symptoms
While the diagnosis of menopause is primarily clinical (12 consecutive months without a period), blood tests can be valuable tools for menopause patients. This helps:
- Confirm perimenopause
- Rule out other conditions
- Assess overall health
- Monitor treatment.
Our Blood & Hormone Testing services are designed to give you real clarity about what’s happening inside your body—so you can make decisions with confidence. Whether you’re exploring HRT, curious about your estrogen levels, or just want to understand your fatigue or mood swings, it all starts with rule out other conditions.
Blood Testing Services at Menovivre
1. Hormonal Assessments (Primarily for Perimenopause or Atypical Cases):
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): This is the most common hormone test for perimenopause and menopause. As ovarian function declines and estrogen levels drop, the pituitary gland produces more FSH to try and stimulate the ovaries. Therefore, high FSH levels often indicate perimenopause or menopause.
- Estradiol (E2): This is the most potent form of estrogen. Levels of estradiol generally decline as a woman approaches and enters menopause. Low estradiol levels, especially in conjunction with high FSH, can confirm menopausal status.
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Like FSH, LH is also produced by the pituitary gland and helps regulate the menstrual cycle. LH levels also tend to rise during menopause as the ovaries become less responsive.
- Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH): AMH is produced by the ovarian follicles and is considered a good indicator of ovarian reserve (the number of eggs remaining). Low AMH levels can suggest a diminished ovarian reserve, often indicating the approach of menopause, sometimes even before FSH levels consistently rise. It's particularly useful for assessing premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).
- Progesterone: While progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, consistently low progesterone levels can be seen in perimenopause as ovulation becomes irregular.
- Testosterone and DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone): Although often associated with men, women also produce these androgens. Levels naturally decline with age. If a woman experiences symptoms like severe fatigue or decreased libido, these levels might be checked, though testosterone therapy is often considered off-label for women.
2. General Health and Risk Assessment:
- Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, Free T3, Free T4): Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) can mimic many menopausal symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, and hot flashes. A thyroid panel is crucial to rule out or manage these conditions.
- Lipid Profile: Menopause is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to changes in cholesterol levels (often an increase in LDL "bad" cholesterol and a decrease in HDL "good" cholesterol). A lipid profile (Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides) is essential for assessing heart health risk and guiding lifestyle interventions or medication.
- Blood Sugar Tests (Fasting Glucose, HbA1c): The risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes also increases after menopause. These tests help screen for or monitor diabetes.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D is crucial for bone health and calcium absorption. Deficiency is very common in Middle East , and it's particularly important for menopausal women to prevent osteoporosis.
- Calcium and Phosphorus: These minerals are vital for bone health. Their levels, along with Vitamin D, help assess bone metabolism.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC can detect anemia (common if periods are heavy during perimenopause) and provide a general overview of overall health, including signs of infection or inflammation.
- Kidney Function Tests (KFT) / Liver Function Tests (LFT): These tests assess the health of the kidneys and liver, which is important, especially if considering or on hormone replacement therapy, as these organs metabolize hormones.
- Vitamin B12: Deficiency can lead to fatigue, weakness, and cognitive issues, symptoms that can overlap with menopause.
When are Blood Tests Typically Ordered?
- For diagnosis: While symptoms are usually sufficient, blood tests are often ordered for women under 40 (to diagnose premature ovarian insufficiency), between 40-45 with unclear symptoms, or if a hysterectomy has occurred (where menstrual periods are no longer a guide).
- To rule out other conditions: As many conditions mimic menopausal symptoms, blood tests help differentiate.
- Before starting HRT: To establish baseline hormone levels and assess overall health, including liver, kidney, and lipid profiles.
- To monitor HRT: To check if the hormones are being absorbed effectively and if the dosage is appropriate, though routine monitoring of levels while on HRT is debated and often based on symptom relief.
- To assess long-term health risks: Regularly screening for bone density, cardiovascular markers, and diabetes risk.
When to Consider Hormone Testing?
- You might benefit from hormone and blood testing if you’re experiencing:
- Ongoing fatigue or brain fog
- Sleep issues that don’t improve with rest
- Irregular cycles or missed periods
- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Low libido or changes in vaginal health
- Unexplained weight gain or muscle loss
- Mood swings, anxiety, or emotional sensitivity
- Even if you’ve been told your labs are “normal” elsewhere, we go deeper. Sometimes, what’s normal on paper doesn’t feel normal in your body—and that matters.
Our Blood Testing Approach
- Our in-house lab services are designed for ease and accuracy. We don’t send you offsite or make you chase down results—we handle everything in one place, with the same care and context you’ve come to expect from Menovivre.
- On-site blood collection for convenience
- Comprehensive hormone panels tailored to your phase of life
- Additional functional testing available if needed
- Clear, jargon-free explanations of your results
- Collaboration across specialties to build your plan
- We also use your results to adjust care over time. Hormone therapy isn’t static—and your life isn’t either. We check in, track changes, and adapt.
Why Choose Menovivre for Menopause Care?
- Specialized Expertise: We focus solely on menopause, offering in-depth knowledge of its complex symptoms and the latest treatment options (HRT and non-hormonal).
- Personalized Care: You receive a tailored treatment plan based on your unique health profile, lifestyle, and specific concerns.
- Holistic Approach: Menovivre integrates a team of specialists (dietitians, endocrinologists, gynecologists, physiotherapists etc.) for comprehensive well-being beyond just medical treatment.
- Dedicated Support: Benefit from a multidisciplinary team committed to helping you navigate menopause with confidence.
- Improved Quality of Life: This specialized, integrated care significantly contributes to a better quality of life during and after menopause.
Curious if what you’re experiencing is hormonal? Considering HRT and want a clearer picture first? Or just tired of being told “everything looks fine” when it doesn’t feel that way?
