Menopause is a natural transition that most women experience between the ages of 45-55 when their ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone, causing periods to stop permanently. There are several ways you can monitor your symptoms and use at-home tests to help track the changes leading up to and during menopause.
Signs and Symptoms
Some common signs and symptoms associated with menopause include:
- Hot flashes - sudden feelings of warmth in the face, neck and chest that can cause intense sweating and skin flushing
- Night sweats - severe hot flashes that occur at night and disrupt sleep
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
- Mood changes - including anxiety, irritability, or depression
- Difficulty concentrating or memory lapses
- Changes in weight and energy levels
- Irregular periods - skipped cycles or inconsistent flow
Many women start to experience subtle symptoms like irregular periods and hot flashes in the years leading up to menopause during the
perimenopausal transition period. Tracking these early signs can help you identify when you start moving into menopause.
At-Home Testing Options
There are a few different at-home tests available that can help detect hormone levels related to menopause:
- FSH tests - Blood tests that measure follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in the blood. FSH is released when estrogen production declines, so high levels can indicate menopause. These tests require a blood sample.
- Saliva tests - Test kits that analyze dried saliva samples to determine changing estrogen and progesterone levels leading up to and during menopause.
- Vaginal pH tests - Test strips that measure vaginal acidity, which tends to increase with lower estrogen levels.
- Symptom tracking - Carefully tracking early subtle symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and menstrual cycle irregularities using a journal, app or online tracker. Noticeable changes may indicate perimenopause and progressing menopause.
Another option is getting baseline
hormone levels tested by your healthcare provider, which can identify changes in estrogen, FSH and other hormones compared to previous years. Getting repeat blood tests allows you to closely track hormonal fluctuations.
Interpreting At-Home Test Results
The results of at-home menopause tests can sometimes vary or may not clearly indicate if you've entered menopause. Key things to look for:
- High FSH levels - FSH over 25-30 mIU/mL on blood tests often signals menopause
- Low estrogen/progesterone - Dropping estrogen and progesterone levels on saliva tests indicates perimenopause transition
- Higher vaginal pH - Vaginal pH increasing above 4.5 may indicate lowered estrogen
- Worsening symptoms - Keep tracking early subtle symptoms and note if they persist or worsen
If your at-home test results are unclear or your symptoms become bothersome, it's a good idea to make an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can help interpret test results, perform additional testing if needed, and discuss treatment options for symptom relief.
Seeking Treatment and Support
If you're experiencing severe or persistent menopause symptoms, there are many effective treatment options available including:
- Prescription hormone therapy containing estrogen, progesterone or both to relieve hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness
- Non-hormonal medications for issues like mood swings or sleep disturbances
- Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants
- Lifestyle changes like stress management techniques, dietary adjustments and regular exercise
The medical experts at
Vital Hormone Clinic specialize in menopause and perimenopause care. We provide cutting edge hormone testing and tailor custom treatment plans to help women alleviate their unique symptoms using the latest therapies. Contact us today to learn more or book a consultation to discuss your test results and treatment options.
While menopause marks the end of fertility for women, with the right support it can be transitioned through smoothly as the next phase of life begins. Tracking subtle changes through at-home tests, symptom journals and routine well-woman exams can help you identify the menopause timing and access the solutions you need to stay healthy and comfortable through this change.