Supporting menopausal clients via blood testing

A woman is said to be in menopause when she has not menstruated for 12 months. The length of time that a woman is in menopause is just one day, with the period of time leading up to menopause referred to as perimenopause, and anything after referred to as post-menopause (menopause is a retrospective diagnosis).

In the UK, the average age of menopause is 51 and typically women can start the transition to menopause up to a decade earlier, although this can vary greatly.

From a hormonal perspective, this transition to the cessation of menstruation is caused by the lowering of specific hormones and, if a woman is considering HRT, a number of hormones should be tested before a qualified medical professional makes a prescription.

Production of estradiol or E2 (the main type of oestrogen made in non-pregnant women of childbearing age) is reduced in menopause. In the lead up to menopause however, estradiol and, as a consequence, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) fluctuate hugely – so their testing is not the most reliable way to inform the need for HRT of oestrogen. The key then is to look at sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and try to keep it within optimal range so that whatever oestrogen is present at any given time, is available to the body.

Progesterone levels should also be measured before HRT is prescribed by a qualified medical professional. If a woman still has a uterus then progesterone therapy will be combined with oestrogen therapy for a number of reasons: it helps reduce the risk of endometrial cancer (oestrogen causes the lining of the endometrium to thicken which can increase cancer risk) and it has also been shown to improve hot flushes and even sleep related issues during perimenopause (1).

Testosterone may also be prescribed during perimenopause to help women who suffer with a number of symptoms including low energy, mood and libido. Testosterone therapy has also been shown to be helpful in maintaining bone density, muscle mass and for vascular and cognitive health in women in perimenopause and post menopause (2).

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels are also relevant as this is a precursor for the production of sex hormones including oestrogen and testosterone.

DHEA levels may also give an indication of adrenal status, which can become vulnerable around menopause and is relevant to adequate sex hormone production.

These biomarkers are found in our Inspect, Ultra, Fertility and Reset Femme Tests, in addition to more than 90 other biomarkers that are key indicators for health. When considering any intervention such as HRT it is important to ascertain a full picture of the client’s health and to rule out any conditions that may have similar symptoms to perimenopause, such as thyroid or autoimmune conditions.