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Blood tests for hormones at menopause in women
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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No woman can avoid the physiological restructuring of the body associated with the fading of the reproductive function, in other words, menopause, the main sign of which is the cessation of menstruation. The approximate age when this happens to our contemporaries is a little over fifty. But the absence of monthly bleeding in itself can be caused not only by postmenopause, but also by some diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to make sure that health is in order, the body has simply entered a new stage of its existence. So, what tests should be taken during menopause?
The triad of hormones – estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteotropin – will confirm or deny the presence of menopause with 100% certainty.
The content of the main estrogen, estradiol (E2), in the blood decreases significantly in postmenopause. This indicator is individual and fluctuates in a very wide range, its value in the postmenopausal period is less than 70-73 pmol/l, and it can reach 33 pmol/l or less. Low levels of estradiol and symptoms of its deficiency are an indication for hormone replacement therapy.
Hormonal tests during menopause necessarily include a study of follitropin (follicle-stimulating hormone) levels. The concentration of this pituitary hormone increases with a decrease in estradiol levels, thus the pituitary gland tries to activate its synthesis. In postmenopause, a follitropin concentration of 37 to 100 IU/l is considered normal, and a value of this indicator greater than 100 IU/l is also quite acceptable, for example, 120-130.
The normal functioning of the reproductive system and the production of estradiol in addition to the previous hormone is provided by luteotropin, which directly guarantees successful fertilization of the egg. The concentration of this hormone in the blood is also significantly increased, normal for postmenopause are considered to be indicators at the level of 13-60 U/l, and higher values of almost 100 are also acceptable.
Always pay attention to the ratio of follitropin and luteotropin, which indicates the severity of the climacteric syndrome. This indicator, as a rule, is 0.4-0.7. And the lower its value, the more pronounced the climacteric symptoms are.
Depending on the patient’s condition and complaints, the gynecologist may consider other hormonal tests necessary: blood tests for progesterone levels, as well as testosterone and/or prolactin, thyroid hormones, and to determine the biochemical composition of the blood.
Women in the transitional period, in addition to standard symptoms (hot flashes, blood pressure surges, irritability and tearfulness), often experience memory problems, weakness, and decreased performance. At this age, the likelihood of developing heart and vascular diseases, genitourinary disorders, and metabolic disorders increases, which entail negative changes in the bones, muscles, and skin. By taking a blood test in time during menopause, you can prevent many unpleasant, and sometimes simply dangerous moments, by taking a course of hormones prescribed by a doctor.
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