The menopause test kit is a simple-to-use at-home blood test kit which measures your follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels to see if you are approaching or have gone through the menopause.

The kit comes with everything you need to provide a small sample of blood, taken from a finger prick, to our partner laboratory which will test your FSH levels and tell you whether you are going through the perimenopause.

The menopause test kit measures the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in your blood.

FSH is a hormone that is important for regulating the menstrual cycle. Usually, it stimulates the ovaries to produce oestrogen and promotes the growth of ovarian follicles, which contain eggs.

During the menopause, your oestrogen levels naturally decline, and eventually your ovaries will no longer produce eggs. To compensate for the declining oestrogen levels, your brain stimulates the release of more FSH to try to stimulate the ovaries to work. FSH levels are high during perimenopause and menopause, making it a good diagnostic marker.

How accurate is the menopause test kit?

Research shows that a single blood FSH test may be able to accurately diagnose menopause in postmenopausal women but is less accurate in premenopausal women.

To ensure a high level of accuracy, our at-home test kit has several advantages:

• it requires a blood sample rather than urine
• the sample is analysed by a UK-based accredited laboratory
• one of our registered doctors will help you interpret the results, so you know what they mean and what you should do next

Because FSH levels can fluctuate during perimenopause, even on a daily basis, it can make it difficult to interpret your results. For perimenopause, a single blood test isn’t enough for a diagnosis, your doctor will need to take other factors into consideration, including any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Anyone who has not had a period for at least a year or is experiencing menopause symptoms may consider a menopause test.

Menopause usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being 51. So, if you haven’t had a period for a year or for more than 6 months and you’re experiencing any menopause symptoms, you are likely to be going through menopause. Taking a test now can give you definitive confirmation of your menopause status and help you consider treatment, like hormone replacement therapy (HRT), if symptoms are bothering you.

You can still experience menopause symptoms even if you’re still getting periods. This is called perimenopause. However, the menopause blood test kit is less accurate for people going through perimenopause, so it may not be suitable for you.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Menopause symptoms include:

• hot flushes
• night sweats
• vaginal dryness
• pain or discomfort during sex
• sleep issues
• mood changes
• low sex drive and loss of interest in sex
• concentration and memory issues
• anxiety

Menopause can feel different for everyone. Some people will get lots of symptoms, some will experience a few, while others may not get any.

When do menopause symptoms usually start?

The start of menopause symptoms will vary from person to person. They usually start months or even years before your periods stop. Menopause – when a person who normally has them, hasn’t had a period for at least 1 year – usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being 51 in the UK.

Menopause symptoms can last for 2 to 8 years, but it can be shorter or longer. One study found that frequent vasomotor symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats continued for more than 7 years in over 50% of women. On average, symptoms lasted for 4.5 years after a person’s last menstrual period.

You will need to provide a small blood sample that you can collect using a finger-prick device called a lancet. The kit includes 3 lancets, a collection tube, and everything you need to safely provide your sample.

Once you have collected your sample, post it to our partner lab for analysis using the prepaid postage label. We recommend checking your local post collection times.

Before collecting your sample:

Fill out the blood collection tube label and make a note of your postage tracking label for your reference.

The best place to collect your sample from is the side of your middle or ring finger.

To collect your sample, you’ll need to:

1. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water and dry them thoroughly with a towel – it will be easier to collect your sample if your hands are warm.
2. Using one of the enclosed alcohol swabs, clean the chosen finger, and allow it to dry, ensuring your finger is completely dry before collecting your sample.
3. Take a lancet from the bag and twist and remove the blue stick, it’s now ready to use.
4. Place the lancet firmly against the side of your chosen finger and press the purple button on the end of the lancet until you hear a click.
5. If you need to repeat the process to get another sample, use a new lancet.
6. A small puncture will appear on the skin, and a small drop of blood should form. Wipe away the first drop of blood with a tissue.
7. Firmly massage your hand and finger without squeezing to help the blood drop into the blood collection tube as shown.
8. Fill the collection tube to the upper line printed on the side of the tube.
9. When you have collected your sample, use the plaster that was supplied in the kit to cover the small puncture mark on your finger.
10. Replace the lid on the collection tube, twisting it several times to make sure it is fully closed.
11. Make sure the collection tube is clearly labelled with your details.
12. Place the collection tube into the protective wallet.
13. Put the protective wallet in the prepaid envelope.
14. Post your sample and wait for your results.

When is the best time to take the test?

If you are still having periods, you’ll need to collect your sample on day 3 of your period. If you are not, you can take the test at any time.

Once our partner lab has received your sample, you should receive your results in your patient account within 72 hours.

You will receive your results confidentially via your patient account. You’ll receive an email notifying you when your results can be viewed. We never email or text you your results directly, patient confidentiality is important to us and all your information will be contained in your online account. .

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means you have a high follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level and may indicate that you are going through perimenopause or have gone through the menopause. One of our doctors will advise you on what you should do next and discuss menopause treatments with you. At Superdrug Online Doctor, you can request menopause and HRT treatments online without the need for a face-to-face appointment.

What does a negative result mean?

A negative result means your FSH levels are normal or low. However, that doesn’t mean you are not going through perimenopause because the test is less accurate at diagnosing this.

If you think you are experiencing the perimenopause but your test has come back negative, you should discuss any symptoms with a doctor who can confirm your menopause status and explore treatments if your symptoms are bothering you.

Can a menopause test detect pregnancy?

No, the menopause test measures FSH levels in your blood and cannot detect pregnancy. FSH levels typically rise around the menopause and are low in the first trimester of pregnancy. Pregnancy tests detect the presence of human gonadotropin hormone (hCG), a hormone the body produces during pregnancy. High levels of hCG can tell you if you are pregnant, but the menopause test does not measure or detect this hormone.

Where can I get tested for menopause?

You can use the at-home test kit to check if you are approaching or have gone through menopause. It is a fast and convenient service that gives you an accurate result within 72 hours and further support from our doctors, if required. Alternatively, your GP will be able to test for menopause and provide a diagnosis.

Does this test check if I’m perimenopausal?

Yes, but it is less accurate. That’s because FSH levels can fluctuate during perimenopause, which can make diagnosis more challenging. If you are experiencing menopause-like symptoms and get a negative result, you should still discuss your symptoms with your GP.

Can you get free menopause testing?

Yes, you may be able to get free menopause testing on the NHS. You will need to make an appointment with your GP. They will ask you about any symptoms you are experiencing and decide whether you need a test. Usually, a test isn’t required unless you are under 45.