Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Menopause Testing

Menopause Testing
Menopause is a phase in a woman’s life when she has not had a menstrual period for 12 months in a row. The time before Menopause is known as periMenopause, when a woman may experience irregular periods for a couple of years until she gets the final cycle. The final menstrual period can be determined only after 12 months of time.
When a woman starts observing signs and symptoms of periMenopause and Menopause, she needs to visit her doctor. Menopause is a crucial phase of every woman’s life and indicates that her fertile life is over. It means the end of her menstrual cycles and possibility of getting pregnant. For some women however, it is a time of freedom and can be a very positive period of her life.
The “Big Change” can bring many physical and emotional changes including hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal problems etc are some of the common problems that occur during Menopause and periMenopause. If not handled on time, Menopause can cause several health problems, hence it is advisable to get tested for the same and start the treatment, if needed.
Lab Tests
A doctor can perform a series of tests to determine Menopause or PeriMenopause, these are:
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Measurement of FSH level is the most common lab test to determine Menopause. If your FSH level is rising above 25mlU/ml, then you may be in the periMenopause phase.
• Oestrogen: This is the second hormone test. If your doctor finds that your oestrogen level is low, there is the possibility that your ovaries have stopped producing eggs.
• Testosterone, Progesterone and Thyroid Hormones: are the other hormones, which can also be tested by your doctor to get a clear picture of internal changes taking place in your body.
Apart from all the aforesaid tests, your doctor may also study your medical history, signs and symptoms to confirm Menopause. Signs and symptoms also play a vital role in determining Menopause. However, not every woman experiences signs of Menopause, but the fact remains that more than 70 percent of women notice remarkable physical and emotional changes during Menopause. Before you see your doctor you may choose to do a home test for Menopause with an instnt home testing kit similar to a pregnancy test.
Home Test Kit
The TGA has approved several home test kits for Menopause, which are available on low cost in the market. Home test kits are basically designed to test your FSH Level because it is responsible for stimulating ovulation during your monthly cycle. High FSH Level is the first sign of Menopause. Normal FSH levels are between 5 and 25 mlU/mL. If the level is 25 mlU/mL or higher, there is a real possibility that you are in periMenopause or Menopause. If you get this result on a home testing kit, you should see your doctor as soon as possible to discuss the best course of ction for your situation.

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