Is there a kit that you can buy to find out if you’re going through menopause? 

- M.

Answer:

Menopause tests are traditionally performed in doctor’s office. The doctor takes a standard blood test to get an accurate reading of a woman’s follicle stimulating hormone (or FSH) levels to determine whether or not she’s in menopause. FSH relates to menopause because the secretion of the hormone responds to low estrogen levels.

For example, when a woman’s estrogen levels are low the pituitary gland (located within the brain) secretes FSH. Therefore, a woman with high FSH levels and low estrogen levels is likely perimenopausal or in menopause. Depending on the FSH levels, the doctor should be able to tell you what stage of menopause you’re currently in when you take the test.

These blood FSH tests can only be performed by a lab or by your doctor. Even though they are far more accurate then over-the-counter menopause test kits, they aren’t as convenient or quick to give you the results you want. FSH blood tests can also be quite expensive if you’re not covered by any sort of medical insurance. However most medical insurance plans do cover blood FSH tests for women.

The menopause test kits you ask about are over-the-counter urine tests – very similar to over-the-counter pregnancy test kits. They are hardly as accurate as a blood test performed by your doctor, but they will give you a quick answer to satisfy your curiosity.  Menopause test kits work almost exactly like a pregnancy kit - you urinate on the plastic test strip and wait for the designated time period.

Menopause test kits range from $15 to $20 online. Many companies offer their kits in pairs because one kit alone often won’t give you an accurate reading. If you do test positive for menopause, please follow up with a FSH blood test at your doctor’s office to be sure.