Pharmacies now offering Aussie women menopause test
Australian women concerned about potential menopausal symptoms will now have access to a menopause home test kit, via pharmacy.
The Home-Check Instant In-stream Menopause Test is part of the launch of Home-Check’s test kit range which also include diabetes glucose screening, pregnancy and ovulation. Additional home test kits covering other health conditions are already in the pipeline.
Ms Tanya Crowther, Director, Home-Check said the range was developed to provide a proactive first step for people curious about some aspect of their health and to empower individuals in leading a healthy and fulfilling life.
“The clear messages from our consumer research*were that women wanted privacy around the specimen collection, convenience and most importantly, an instant result,” she added.
“Already familiar with instant pregnancy and ovulation tests, these women were looking for something similar when it came to menopause,” said Ms Crowther.
Accuracy was an overall concern from respondents regarding home testing.
“In both laboratory and consumer clinical studies#, the Home-Check Instant In-stream Menopause Test has proven to be over 99 per cent accurate,” said Ms Crowther.
“While we’ve responded to what women want, the Home-Check test kits are a first step, not an alternative to seeing a healthcare professional.
“This is specifically why the range is available through pharmacies and we strongly recommend women see their GP to discuss the findings or their health concerns, regardless of the test result,” added Ms Crowther.
The Home-Check range is also available online but at a premium price, an incentive for people to purchase via pharmacy instead. Recommended in-store retail price is $19.95.
“Our objective with Home-Check tests is to provide simple and convenient products so that people can take a test, see their GP and then take action to best manage their condition.
“Determining if you are menopausal means you can then consider treatment to manage the symptoms but also take control of other increasing health risks such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis,” said Ms Crowther.
The menopause test is designed to measure Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) which rises as menopause approaches. It measures FSH levels higher than 25mlU/ml, giving test results in one minute.
“The test is for women wanting to know if their symptoms - irregular periods, hot flushes, vaginal dryness or sleep problems - are due to high levels of FSH which may be part of menopause,” explained Ms Crowther. “Your doctor can then discuss how to offset these symptoms and protect your health beyond menopause.”
Most women reach menopause naturally between the ages of 45 and 55 years, with the average age of onset around 50 years. However, symptoms may be experienced up to six years prior to the final period.
If you would like further information regarding the Home-Check range, please call
1800 833 416 or email info@home-check.net.au
