Menopause Blood Test
During menopause, the body undergoes many changes. This simple blood test can offer valuable insights into your hormone levels that may be impacted by menopause.
Menopause Blood Test
Menopause is a natural biological process marking the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles and reproductive years, typically occurring in their late 40s to early 50s. It is characterised by the cessation of menstruation for 12 consecutive months and is often accompanied by symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.
This menopause blood test is conducted to measure hormone levels, such as Oestradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), to confirm the onset of menopause or to rule out other conditions that might mimic menopausal symptoms. This helps in managing symptoms and planning appropriate treatments or lifestyle adjustments.
Why have a Menopause Blood Test?
- Confirming Menopause: To determine if you are going through menopause, especially if you are experiencing symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes.
- Diagnosing Early or Premature Menopause: To identify if you are entering menopause earlier than the typical age range, which can have significant health implications.
- Evaluating Hormone Levels: To check your levels of hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), oestradiol, and luteinizing hormone (LH), which help assess ovarian function and reserve.
- Managing Symptoms: To help guide treatment options for managing menopausal symptoms effectively.
What is tested? - 6 Biomarkers
- Hormones – FSH, Hormone phase, LH and Oestradiol
- Thyroid Hormones – Free thyroxine, TSH
Appointment duration: Approx. 10 minutes
Please note:
- Results can take up to 2-3 working days from the sample being sent in the post.
- Your results will include a doctor’s overview which should give you all the information you require. If you would like further information, we recommend you visit your GP.
Detailed Breakdown
Liver Function Tests:
- Albumin: Albumin is a protein produced by the liver. It helps maintain oncotic pressure in the blood and transports various substances, including hormones and drugs. Low levels of albumin may indicate liver dysfunction or malnutrition.
- ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase): ALP is an enzyme found in various tissues, including the liver, bones, and bile ducts. Elevated ALP levels may indicate liver or bone disorders.
- ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase): ALT is an enzyme found primarily in the liver. Elevated ALT levels are often indicative of liver damage or inflammation, such as in hepatitis or liver disease.
- GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase): GGT is an enzyme found in the liver and other tissues. Elevated GGT levels may indicate liver damage, bile duct obstruction, or alcohol abuse.
- Globulin: Globulins are a group of proteins, including antibodies, produced by the liver and immune system. Abnormal levels of globulins may indicate liver disease, autoimmune disorders, or certain infections.
- Total Protein: Total protein measures the total amount of protein in the blood, including albumin and globulins. Abnormal levels may indicate liver or kidney disease, malnutrition, or dehydration.
- Total Bilirubin: Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced by the breakdown of red blood cells. Total bilirubin measures both direct (conjugated) and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin levels. Elevated total bilirubin may indicate liver dysfunction, bile duct obstruction, or hemolytic disorders.
Kidney Function Tests:
- Creatinine: Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscle metabolism. It is filtered from the blood by the kidneys and excreted in urine. Elevated creatinine levels may indicate impaired kidney function.
- Urea (Blood Urea Nitrogen, BUN): Urea is a waste product formed in the liver from the breakdown of proteins. It is excreted by the kidneys. Elevated urea levels may indicate kidney dysfunction or dehydration.
- Sodium: Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance and nerve function. Abnormal sodium levels may indicate dehydration, kidney dysfunction, or certain hormonal imbalances.
- eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): eGFR is a calculated value that estimates the glomerular filtration rate, a measure of kidney function. It is used to assess overall kidney function.
Lipid Profile:
- Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood. Elevated cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol), are a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): HDL cholesterol is often referred to as “good” cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of heart disease.
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): LDL cholesterol is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol because high levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Non-HDL Cholesterol: Non-HDL cholesterol includes LDL cholesterol and other potentially atherogenic lipoproteins. It is considered a useful marker for assessing cardiovascular risk.
- HDL:Cholesterol Ratio: The ratio of HDL cholesterol to total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol is used as an indicator of cardiovascular risk. A higher ratio of HDL to total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
- Triglycerides: Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. Elevated triglyceride levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and pancreatitis.
TF1 (Thyroid Function Tests):
- TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. Abnormal TSH levels may indicate thyroid dysfunction.
- FT4 (Free Thyroxine): FT4 is a measure of the active form of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. Abnormal FT4 levels may indicate thyroid dysfunction.
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in the formation of red blood cells, nerve function, and DNA synthesis. Low vitamin B12 levels may cause anemia and neurological symptoms.
CA125: CA125 is a protein marker that may be elevated in certain conditions, including ovarian cancer and other gynecological disorders. CA125 testing is often used in the monitoring of ovarian cancer treatment and surveillance.
CK (Creatine Kinase): CK is an enzyme found in muscle tissue. Elevated CK levels may indicate muscle damage, such as from injury, muscle diseases, or heart attacks.
Uric Acid: Uric acid is a waste product produced by the breakdown of purines. Elevated uric acid levels may indicate gout or kidney dysfunction.
FBC (Full Blood Count): FBC is a comprehensive blood test that includes measurements of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It provides information about various blood disorders, infections, and inflammatory conditions.
HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c): HbA1c is a test used to measure average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. It is used in the diagnosis and management of diabetes.
Iron Studies: Iron studies include measurements of serum iron, ferritin (a protein that stores iron), transferrin (a protein that transports iron), and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). They help diagnose and monitor iron deficiency anemia and other iron-related disorders.
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What is the process?
- Our experienced phlebotomist will uncover your right or left arm.
- A tourniquet will be placed around your upper arm. A tourniquet makes it easier for a needle to be placed in your veins by swelling the veins.
- Once the tourniquet is fitted, a small quantity of blood will be drawn into tubes, using a needle.
- After the blood draw is completed, a plaster will be placed onto the site; this can be removed after a couple of hours.
- We will then post your sample to our partner laboratory for analysis.
- You will receive your results 2-3 working days after the sample has been sent onto the laboratory.
What do I do with my results?
Your results will include a doctor's overview which should give you all the information you require. If you would like further information, we recommend you visit your GP.
Preparing for your blood test?
- Hydrate – Try to reduce caffeine intake and drink plenty of water before the day of your blood draw, making it easier for our phlebotomist to locate a vein for blood to be drawn from
- Loose Clothing – Our phlebotomist will require access to your arm. Please wear loose clothing to make accessing your arm easier and more comfortable.
- Medication – Please let our phlebotomist know if you are on blood thinners on the day of your blood draw.
Frequently asked questions?
How much blood is taken?
Approximately 8 ml of blood is taken; this is placed into a special tube for transportation to the laboratory.
How long is the appointment?
The appointment is approximately 10 minutes long. Please ensure to arrive early to complete any necessary paperwork that may be outstanding.
What if I'm scared of needles?
It's completely understandable to feel anxious about needles, but please be assured that you are in good hands. Our phlebotomist is experienced and compassionate, and they are here to support you every step of the way. Upon arrival to the clinic, please communicate your concerns to our phlebotomist who will take extra care when carrying out the blood draw.
What if you can't get a blood sample on the day?
Occasionally, we may encounter difficulty in obtaining a blood sample from you. There can be various reasons for this, including insufficient hydration, feeling cold, or having undergone another blood test recently. We'll always offer you another appointment so that we can make another attempt at obtaining the sample.
Finding Hey Baby 4D Stalybridge
Our clinic is easily accessible for expectant parents from Tameside, Glossop, Oldham, Greater Manchester & Stockport. The clinic is 1.5 miles from Tameside General Hospital. Both the railway and bus stations are in close proximity to the clinic.