Menopause
Tests
The diagnosis of menopause is usually made on clinical grounds, i.e. symptoms and history. The following biochemical investigations may be performed on blood when menopause is suspected but the diagnosis is not clear:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) - to learn whether the woman is approaching or has gone through menopause. However raised FSH during the peri-menopause does not guarantee that another period will not occur or that the woman cannot become pregnant.
- Oestradiol - to measure ovarian production of oestrogen and to further assist in determining menopausal state
- Thyroid function testing (free T4 and TSH tests) - to assess the function of the thyroid gland
- Assessment for liver and kidney function - to see if the woman can tolerate hormone replacement therapy.
