The term menopause is associated with a complete cessation of the function of the ovaries. This happens in the latter half of a female's life, around the time she has crossed 40 years of life. Some women may also experience menopause much later.
Menopause characterizes the end of fertility and marks the permanent cessation of the menstruation cycles. The etymology of the word in fact comes from the two words - 'mensis' and 'pausis' which literally mean 'month' and 'end/ cessation'. Menopause in women is brought about by the changing functioning of the Follicle Stimulating Hormones released by the pituitary gland. With the help of an FSH blood test menopause can be detected. The bleeding patterns of a woman's cycle keep changing as the woman ages. A woman may experience unnatural menopause if both of her ovaries are removed because of any medical condition. However, if the FSH levels are naturally falling, it means that the woman is approaching menopause.
A blood test for menopause is usually done in order to identify the changes in the sexual hormones which are responsible for the female fertility cycle. These hormones may become deficient or excessive due to physical changes. Hormones like estradiol, testosterone, estriol, progrsterone and estrone may affect the body as well as the overall health of the person.
Progesterone hormone is secreted in the body in order to balance the action of another hormone known as estrogen. This hormone also serves as a precursor for other hormones which may be the precursors to other hormones. This plays an extremely important role in enhancing the mood and improving the blood and sugar balance.
A blood test to determine menopause will essentially compare the amount of hormones present in your blood and compare it against the normal values of these hormones. The amount of these hormones present in the blood may also be indicative of the health of the endocrine system and the specific glands which are associated with these hormones.
The menopause blood test results usually give you a baseline report of the hormone levels just so that you can make a decision about getting a hormone replacement therapy done. The test is also useful in providing guidance in the treatment of conditions like endometriosis, high blood pressure and other heart diseases, breast cancer, osteoporosis and low libido.
The test involves taking of a sample of your blood and three samples of saliva. Your health practitioner may ask you to give a sample of your urine.