Menopause translates as “end of monthly cycles” and refers to when a woman’s body stops ovulating. A menopause test can be taken at home or at a doctor’s surgery and can quickly ascertain if a woman has reached this stage in her life.
Prior to menopause your body goes in to perimenopause or premenopause in which you may experience a wide range of symptoms due to your fluctuating hormones. This could include hot flashes, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, and difficulty sleeping.
If you can determine that the symptoms you are experiencing are menopause or perimenopause there are many medical options available that will help to reduce your symptoms.
When Will I Begin Menopause?
The average woman begins menopause between the ages of 42-56. Since that is such a wide range, many women are turning to menopause testing kits to see if the symptoms they are experiencing could be the start of menopause. Menopause and its symptoms are different for every woman, and can last several years.
How Does A Menopause Testing Work?
Menopause testing kits measure the amount of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) present in urine. This helps you in determining if you are perimenopause or menopause.
What Exactly Is FSH?
FSH is a hormone created by your pituitary gland that increases as your ovaries stop releasing and producing eggs.
FSH, or Follicle Stimulating Hormone, is a crucial player in the reproductive system. Produced by the pituitary gland, this hormone acts like a conductor, orchestrating the development of eggs in women and sperm in men. As women approach menopause, FSH levels tend to skyrocket, acting as a biological klaxon signalling the end of fertility.
But why the surge? Well, as ovaries begin to wind down, they become less responsive to FSH’s nudges. The pituitary gland, ever persistent, ramps up production in a futile attempt to kick-start unresponsive ovaries. It’s like turning up the volume on a broken stereo – no matter how loud you go, you won’t get the desired result.
Interestingly, FSH doesn’t just vanish after menopause. It continues to play a role in bone health and even influences fat distribution. So while its reproductive symphony may be over, FSH keeps humming along, conducting other important biological processes throughout a woman’s life.
What Are The Benefits of FSH Testing?
By measuring your FSH levels you are able to determine if the symptoms you are experiencing are perimenopause or menopause. This will give you piece of mind in understanding where your symptoms are coming from. It will also give you the ability to manage your symptoms with the guidance of your medical professional.
How Accurate Is Menopause Testing?
When you follow the testing instructions, your FSH levels are correctly measured 9 out of 10 times. To ensure the most accurate results make sure you test with your first, and most concentrated, urine of the day. If you are currently on any type of hormone therapy you may not receive accurate results. Please keep in mind that you can still become pregnant while in perimenopause.
How Do Home Menopause Kits Differ From The Ones My Doctor Will Perform?
Often times there is no difference in the test kits a doctor uses and home kits! However, your medical professional will take into account other health factors like your medial history and additional lab test results.
How Do I Test Myself?
This test is similar to a pregnancy test in which you add urine to the testing device. You can do this by urinating on the device, or dipping the device in a cup of urine. Your urine will interact with the testing device and after a few minutes you will have your results. You read your results by comparing the colour of the device with the test chart in the menopause kit.
What Do I Do With My Test Results?
If your results indicate that you are in menopause or perimenopause it is a good idea to see your medical professional. You can discuss if you need to make any changes to your current medications and what you can do to decrease symptoms you are experiencing.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of menopause, but your home test came back negative, you should still visit your medical professional to explore what is causing your symptoms. A negative test does not mean that you are not in menopause as medications and other factors can affect your test results.
Buy FSH Test Kits at Zoom Baby
We currently stock a range of FSH test kits. The most popular option is are Zoom Baby FSH Test Strips and Zoom Baby FSH Midstream Tests. Both are highly reliable and offers excellent value for money. Each kit contains two menopause tests which should be used at specific times during your monthly cycle. As an alternative option we also offer the FertilCheck Female Fertility Midstream Test, which is a bit more expensive and also offers two tests per pack.
Because fertility issues are often a concern for men and women at the same time, we also offer these tests as part of a combo deal that offers both a male and a female test for a reduced price.
All of the tests we offer on the website are reliable and should help you decide if you or your partner has fertility issues, allowing you to take appropriate action.
Zoom Baby is a leading supplier of Pregnancy Tests and Ovulation Test Kits
