Perimenopause test at home. Perimenopause is a natural transition in a woman’s life that can bring about various hormonal changes. Testing for perimenopause at home can provide valuable insights into these changes and help women manage their symptoms effectively.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of at-home tests available and how they can help you understand and manage your perimenopausal symptoms.
As women enter their late 30s and early 40s, they may experience a range of symptoms associated with perimenopause. It’s important to understand the changes happening in your body during this time, and one way to do so is by taking a perimenopause test at home.
Understanding Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, typically occurring in women in their late 40s or early 50s.
During this time, hormonal fluctuations can lead to various symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, and changes in libido.
Irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, and decreased libido are common symptoms.
Understanding these symptoms is essential for recognizing the onset of perimenopause.
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5 Types of At Home Testing for Perimenopause
Various at-home tests are available to measure hormone levels, such as saliva or urine tests. These tests can provide valuable insights into hormonal changes associated with perimenopause.
These kits typically include clear instructions for collecting samples and interpreting the results.
Home Menopause Test Kits
These tests measure levels of hormones in urine such as FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), estrogen and progesterone, providing insight into hormonal changes during perimenopause.
FSH is the primary hormone that these tests look at. FSH levels can show if your body is preparing for menopause because this hormone is involved in egg production and menstruation. High levels of this hormone can indicate a loss of ovarian function and a reduction in the production of good quality eggs.
Estradiol and LH (luteinizing hormone) may also be tested in some of these at home tests. Estrogen is responsible for preparing the uterus lining for egg implantation. When estradiol decreases due to perimenopause, LH levels will increase. LH (luteinizing hormone) stimulates the ovaries to release an egg and begin producing progesterone. Fluctuating levels of these hormones can indicate perimenopause.
Saliva Hormone Tests
Saliva tests can also measure hormone levels and are often used as an alternative to blood and urine tests.
Unlike blood tests, saliva testing can measure the amount of free, unbound hormones available for use in the body. The hormone concentration levels in saliva can tell the hormones most likely to impact the body and create symptoms.
Test results can tell which hormones are available and which hormones are in excess, and where there may be a deficiency, so you can review the results with your medical provider.
In comparison to blood samples, they are easy to store and can be taken at any time and anywhere. Plus, multiple specimens can be collected, it is non-invasive, and inexpensive.
Ovulation Predictor Kits
While not specifically designed for perimenopause, these kits can still provide valuable information about hormonal changes.
You can still be ovulating in perimenopause if you are still having your period, even if it is irregular.
Once you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months, you are then in menopause, but not before that.
These kits can help you know if you are ovulating during perimenopause since they work by identifying the rise in hormones that surge just before you release an egg.
Basal Body Temperature and Symptom Tracking
In addition to these at home tests, you can also keep a record of your symptoms and basal body temperature. Tracking your symptoms and basal body temperature over time can give some great insights into how your body is behaving.
Keeping a journal of symptoms can help identify patterns and provide insights into perimenopausal changes.
Monitoring basal body temperature can also reveal changes in the ovulation part of the menstrual cycle. If you don’t ovulate, this may be a sign of perimenopause.
Did you know that your body temperature can rise by 0.5 degrees Celsius or more when ovulating? This fluctuation can be seen when tracking your basal body temperature, but you may not notice it if you don’t keep a record.
Once you have formed a habit of tracking these symptoms and basal body temperatures, you will be empowered to recognize these subtle shifts occurring in your body, and can then take steps to combat any symptoms during this time. Often, women will feel worsening signs of perimenopause either when they skip ovulation or in the second half of their cycle.
Additionally, reviewing these entries with your health care provider can help you to develop a plan to combat these symptoms as they are about to occur, instead of waiting until you have the symptoms.
4 Benefits of at home hormone testing
Testing at home can provide women with valuable insights into their hormone levels and help them track changes over time.
It can also empower women to have informed discussions with their healthcare providers and make proactive decisions about their health.
Convenience
At-home tests allow women to monitor their hormone levels in the comfort of their own homes, without the need for frequent doctor’s visits.
Empowerment
Understanding hormonal changes can empower women to make informed decisions about their health and seek appropriate treatment if necessary.
Early Detection
Detecting perimenopause early can empower women to make informed decisions about their health and seek appropriate support and treatment.
Personalized Management
Home testing provides valuable information that can help women and their healthcare providers tailor a personalized approach to managing perimenopausal symptoms.
Conclusion
Taking a perimenopause test at home can provide valuable insights into the changes happening in your body during this transitional phase. By understanding and monitoring your hormone levels, you can better manage your symptoms and take proactive steps towards a healthier perimenopausal experience. Whether you opt for urine tests, saliva tests, or ovulation predictor kits, at-home testing can be a useful tool in navigating the perimenopausal journey.
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Dr. Shelley Meyer is a board-certified family physician and Institute of Functional Medicine-certified functional medicine physician, as well as a Registered Dietitian. She is passionate about helping women navigate the roller coaster of perimenopause and postmenopause. She has her own Functional Medicine Practice in Denver, Colorado.
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