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Hello owlblue,
A blood test to check FSH or follicle-stimulating hormone levels, progesterone and estradiol levels helps determine if you are perimenopausal or have reached menopause.
Hot flashes, problems sleeping, mood swings and decreased vaginal secretions are all perimenopausal symptoms.
Though lab values can vary from lab to lab, in general, FSH levels of 4.7 to 21.5 mlU/ml are seen in women who are menstruating. Postmenopausal women will have levels of 25.8 to 134.8 mlU/ml.
Progesterone is a hormone that is produced mainly in the ovaries.
A progesterone level of less than 1 ng/mL is seen in postmenopausal women.
A physician may order an estradiol test when a woman is having hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia and the absence of a period.
Estradiol levels drop when your ovaries begin to stop functioning.
Generally, estradiol levels about 30 to 40 or higher are considered menopausal.
Your physician is your best resource for interpreting your lab results and what they mean for you.
Maryann
August 17, 2012 - 5:10pmThis Comment