Question 1

What is Menopause?

Accepted Answer

Menopause is the permanent end of menstrual periods and reproductive years in women. It is caused by the ovaries stopping egg production and significantly reducing estrogen, progesterone, and other reproductive hormones. The Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) test is the most important test for diagnosing menopause because elevated FSH levels indicate the ovaries have stopped functioning.

Question 2

What causes menopause?

Accepted Answer

Menopause is caused by the natural decline in reproductive hormones as the ovaries age and stop releasing eggs. Specifically, the ovaries dramatically reduce production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which leads to the end of menstrual cycles. This hormonal shift typically begins in your 40s or 50s during a transition phase called perimenopause, eventually leading to complete menopause when you have gone 12 consecutive months without a period.

Question 3

What is the best test for menopause?

Accepted Answer

The Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) test is the most important test for diagnosing menopause because it directly measures how hard your body is working to stimulate the ovaries. When FSH levels rise above 30 mIU/mL, it indicates your ovaries have stopped responding and are no longer producing eggs. The FSH and LH combination test provides an even more complete picture by measuring both hormones together, while Estradiol testing confirms the drop in estrogen levels. These tests together create a comprehensive hormone profile that definitively confirms menopausal status.

Question 4

When should I get tested for menopause?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you are over 40 and experiencing irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, or vaginal dryness. Testing is especially important if your symptoms are disrupting your daily life or sleep, or if you want to know whether you are in menopause or perimenopause. You should also consider testing if you have a family history of early menopause or if you have had certain medical treatments like chemotherapy that can affect ovarian function.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Accepted Answer

Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular or missed periods, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, mood changes, weight gain, thinning hair, and dry skin. You might also experience decreased libido, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and joint pain. Some women have mild symptoms while others experience severe disruptions to daily life. These symptoms are caused by declining estrogen and progesterone levels and can last from a few months to several years.

Question 6

Who is at risk for menopause?

Accepted Answer

All women who live long enough will experience menopause, typically between ages 45 and 55, with the average age being 51. You are at risk for early menopause if you smoke, have a family history of early menopause, have never been pregnant, or have undergone certain cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. Medical conditions affecting the ovaries, hysterectomy with ovary removal, and certain autoimmune disorders can also trigger menopause earlier than expected.

Question 7

What happens if menopause is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated menopause symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life, causing sleep deprivation, relationship problems, and decreased productivity at work. The long-term decline in estrogen increases your risk of serious health conditions including osteoporosis with increased fracture risk, heart disease, urinary incontinence, and cognitive decline. Weight gain and metabolic changes become more pronounced without intervention. While menopause itself is natural and not dangerous, managing symptoms and hormone-related health risks through appropriate treatment can prevent complications and improve overall wellbeing.

Question 8

Can menopause be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, menopause can be diagnosed with blood tests that measure hormone levels, particularly FSH, LH, and estrogen. Elevated FSH levels above 30 mIU/mL combined with low estrogen levels strongly indicate menopause. However, diagnosis typically combines blood test results with clinical symptoms and the absence of periods for 12 consecutive months. Your doctor may order multiple tests over time since hormone levels can fluctuate during the transition to menopause, making a single test sometimes unreliable.

Question 9

How is menopause treated?

Accepted Answer

Menopause is treated based on symptom severity and individual health factors. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estrogen alone or combined estrogen-progesterone effectively relieves hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Non-hormonal medications like antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and anti-seizure drugs can reduce hot flashes. Vaginal estrogen creams or tablets treat localized symptoms, while lifestyle changes including regular exercise, healthy diet, stress reduction, and avoiding triggers help manage symptoms naturally. Your healthcare provider will customize treatment based on your symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences.

Question 10

How can I prevent menopause?

Accepted Answer

Menopause cannot be prevented as it is a natural biological process that all women experience. However, you can delay early menopause by not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and avoiding unnecessary exposure to chemotherapy or radiation. While you cannot prevent menopause itself, you can prevent or reduce complications by staying physically active to maintain bone density, eating a calcium and vitamin D-rich diet, keeping your heart healthy through exercise and proper nutrition, and maintaining regular healthcare checkups to monitor your bone and cardiovascular health.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with menopause?

Accepted Answer

Natural remedies for menopause symptoms include eating foods rich in phytoestrogens like soy, flaxseed, and whole grains, which may help balance hormones. Regular exercise reduces hot flashes, improves mood, and strengthens bones, while yoga and meditation decrease stress and improve sleep quality. Black cohosh, evening primrose oil, and red clover supplements show some promise for symptom relief, though evidence is mixed. Staying cool with layers, drinking cold water, using a fan, and keeping your bedroom temperature low can minimize hot flashes and night sweats. Always discuss supplements with your healthcare provider as some can interact with medications.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Menopause Blood Test

What is Menopause?

What causes menopause?

What is the best test for menopause?

When should I get tested for menopause?

References

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