home menopause test

Uses: 1) diagnosis of menopause 2) monitoring hormone replacement therapy Principle: - Urine Tests: a) Menocheck, RU25 Plus Menopause Test cost about $20 (2004) b) similar to in home pregnancy test c) tests measure FSH d) elevated urine FSH may indicate menopause, but alone is NOT a reliable indicator of menopause - Saliva Tests: a) tests measure estrogen, progesterone, testosterone & other hormones b) cost is about $60 (2004) c) women collect the sample at home & mail the sample to a lab for testing - Test interference: - oral contraceptives elevate estrogens & progestins & diminish FSH Management: - treat symptoms, not test results

References

Prescriber's Letter 11(6):36 2004