Menopause Blood Test
£199
20% off with code BFBL20
Biomarkers Included with the Menopause Blood Test blood test
Scroll down for more information about each biomarker
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Oestradiol
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
Free T4
Why choose us for your Menopause Blood Test
About the Menopause Blood Test blood test
Our Menopause Blood Test checks key female hormones if you are experiencing menopausal symptoms or if you’re under 40 and suspect you’re going through menopause.
Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her period stops. It usually occurs naturally, most often after age 45. Menopause happens because the woman’s ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. As well as your menopausal status, this test checks your thyroid function. Symptoms of a thyroid condition and menopause can be similar.
However, the process can be triggered earlier in a woman’s life due to health conditions or medical procedures that affect the body’s production of or response to essential hormones.
During perimenopause, a woman may start to experience hormonal fluctuations. These fluctuations can cause irregular menstrual periods and other symptoms of perimenopause, including hot flashes, sleep problems and vaginal changes. During such instances, a menopause blood test may be necessary to determine whether the process has started or the hormonal imbalance is being caused by other underlying issues.
What is a Menopause Blood Test?
A menopause blood test is a series of tests that checks for the levels of various hormones in the woman’s body and is used to determine whether you are in the menopause stage by the levels of hormones in your body. The test involves drawing blood from your arm, which is then used to run the different tests.
The biomarkers the test checks for include the following:
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
This is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland and is vital in the production of eggs in women. FSH levels in women peak during ovulation and elevate in menopause.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
LH is also produced by the pituitary gland. It has various roles in male and female fertility, but in women, the levels of LH peak before ovulation.
Oestradiol
Oestradiol is one of the primary female sex hormones, but it is also present in men. It is a type of oestrogen that supports the health of the reproductive system and healthy bones and breast tissue. During perimenopause, oestradiol levels may fluctuate, and during menopause, they become low all the time.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
TSH is produced in the pituitary gland. Its role is to regulate the production of thyroid hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). If the TSH is too high or too low, it normally signifies that there is a problem with the thyroid gland, causing it to under or overproduce hormones. In menopause, the levels of TSH can drop slightly outside the normal range because of the fluctuating levels of oestrogen.
Free T4
The menopause blood test also examines your free T4 (thyroxine) levels. It is one of the two hormones produced by the Thyroid gland. It works to speed up the rate of metabolism and is usually bound to carrier proteins in the blood. Free T4 is the most active of the two main thyroid hormones.
Because thyroid activity is reduced in menopause, the levels of T4 and free T4 may also decrease if you’re going through menopause.
Why Do You Need a Menopause Blood Test?
The main reason you need a menopause blood test is to determine if the symptoms you are experiencing are part of menopause or related to another condition. The symptoms usually related to menopause include:
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Hot flashes
- Sleep problems
- Mood swings
- Vaginal dryness, irritation or discharge
- Trouble concentrating
When evaluating the cause of these symptoms, your doctor may ask about a patient’s age, symptoms, and family history. Menopause testing is often ordered when the cause of symptoms is not clear. It can also be necessary for women who have had a hysterectomy, women who begin to have menopause symptoms several years before age 50, or when a woman experiences abnormal symptoms indicating menopause.
You may also need a menopause blood test if you’re undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The test is often used to monitor the levels of different hormones and the activity of the thyroid gland. It can also screen for other causes of similar symptoms.
Biomarker information for Menopause Blood Test blood test
FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. This hormone is essential for producing eggs in women and producing sperm in men. In women, FSH levels peak at ovulation and can increase in menopause.
Luteinizing Hormone is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. It plays an essential role in male and female fertility. In women, levels of LH peak before ovulation.
Oestradiol is the primary female sex hormone, but it is also an essential hormone for men. It is a type of hormone called an oestrogen that supports a healthy reproductive system and healthy breast tissue and bones.
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced in the pituitary gland in order to regulate the production of thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) by the thyroid gland. If thyroid hormones in the blood are low, then more TSH is produced to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more of them. If thyroid hormone levels are high, then the pituitary produces less TSH to slow the production of thyroid hormones.
If TSH is too high or too low, it normally signifies that there is a problem with the thyroid gland which is causing it to under or over produce thyroid hormones. Sometimes a disorder of the pituitary gland can also cause abnormal TSH levels.
Thyroxine (T4) is one of two hormones produced by the thyroid gland. It works to speed up the rate of your metabolism. Most T4 is bound to carrier proteins in the blood – it is only the free, or unbound, T4 that is active in the body. Free T4 is the less active of the two main thyroid hormones. To have an impact on your cells it needs to convert to the more active T3 when your body needs it.
Our Reviews
What does the Menopause Blood Test blood test involve?
This blood test is just like a standard blood test.
You will be asked to uncover you left or right arm and suitable vein is found. A tourniquet will be placed and tightened around your upper arm allowing the veins to swell and a needle will be placed into your vein. A small quantity of blood is then drawn into tubes. Once the procedure is complete a small plaster will be placed onto the site which can be removed after a few hours.
How do I prepare
- The blood test requires access to the area of interest, therefore, it is recommended to wear loose clothing to facilitate this process.
- If you are unsure about the preparation, please contact us for further information.
How to find us
We pride ourselves on providing the best quality service we can which is why we are trusted by GP's, doctors, physiotherapists, midwives and many other healthcare professionals.
Our mission of better quality healthcare for everyone is at the heart of everything we do and drives us to do the best we can for each and every patient that we see. Our team of experts have years of experience and are fully registered and regulated meaning you are in safe hands with us.
Menopause Blood Test FAQ's
What is the cost of a menopause blood test in London?
The cost of a menopause blood test in London varies depending on the facility you visit and the number of biomarkers included. At The Scan Clinic, the cost of our menopause blood tests starts at £199 and tests for five biomarkers.
Are there pre-test requirements and preparations required?
There are no pre-requirements for the test if you have no menstrual cycle or irregular menstrual cycles. However, if you’re still menstruating, it is recommended that you test on day 3 of your menstrual cycle. Our experts will provide guidance when setting up the appointment if there are additional requirements.
What should I expect during the menopause blood test?
A menopause blood test is similar to a routine blood test. We will draw blood from your arm and test it for various biomarkers. The process is relatively fast and safe, and you can return to your normal routine after the test.
How long does it take to get the results?
Taking the blood sample and running the test is relatively simple and fast. However, sending you the official results may take 1-2 days. Sometimes, depending on the nature and reason for the test, our medical experts may provide you with verbal results before you leave the clinic.
How often should I take a menopause blood test?
The recommended duration of your menopause blood test depends on several factors, such as the findings of the test, the reason for taking it, and the treatment approach taken by your healthcare provider. You may be required to retake the test in a few months to reassess the levels of the hormones in your blood or take the test once treatments like HRT have started to monitor the progress and determine whether your hormones are balancing out.
Important Notes
- We may require details of your GP / Health Care Professional before or at the time of the test.
- Our London East clinic is located on the first floor, up one flight of stairs. Please note that we don’t have a lift available at this location.
- Blood results require interpretation. All results should be interpreted by your regular health care professional / GP.
- All of our first-line tests are optional and provided on a self-referral basis. You must be aged 16 years or over to use this service. If you have an existing medical condition, are undergoing treatment, or have any concerns about whether this test is appropriate for you, we recommend that you consult your GP or healthcare professional before booking.
- We kindly ask that you inform us of any specific requirements, reasonable adjustments, cultural considerations, or practitioner preferences before your appointment. Whilst we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate requests, this may not always be possible at short notice or subject to staff availability.