Menopause - Tests and diagnosis

The signs and symptoms of menopause are enough to tell most women they have begun going through the transition. If you have concerns about irregular periods or hot flashes, talk with your doctor or one of our knowledgeable pharmacists. In some cases further evaluation may be recommended.

• Blood Testing - Under certain circumstances, your doctor may check your level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen (estradiol) with a blood test. As menopause occurs, FSH levels increase and estradiol levels decrease. Your doctor may also recommend a blood test to determine your level of thyroid-stimulating hormone, because hypothyroidism can cause symptoms similar to those of menopause.
   
• Saliva Testing - Saliva Testing provides a true picture of the bioavailable levels of steroid hormones.  Saliva testing is a convenient, inexpensive, and above all, accurate means of testing steroid hormones. Scientific studies have shown a strong correlation between steroid hormone levels in saliva and the amount of hormone in the blood that is active or “bioavailable.” It is this fraction of total hormone that is free to enter the target tissues in the brain, uterus, skin, and breasts.  Saliva testing can be done anywhere anytime. Testing that relies on blood drawn in the doctor’s office makes it harder to obtain samples at specific times (such as in the early morning) or multiple times during the day. In addition, hormones in saliva are exceptionally stable and can be stored at room temperature for up to a week without affecting the accuracy of the result. This offers maximum flexibility in sample collection and shipment.

Hormones tested in the saliva profiles include:

• Estradiol
• Progesterone
• Testosterone
• DHEA
• Cortisol