How is menopause diagnosed?

Menopause can be diagnosed via several methods. Examples of some are listed below.

 Blood testing

Blood test is usually conducted to check the levels of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and estradiol estrogen. The unusual levels of these two hormones would cause menopause symptoms. The level of thyroid-stimulating hormone is also checked because hypothyroidism can cause similar symptoms as those of menopause.

Bone testing

DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan is conducted to measure the standard of osteoporosis, a condition associated with menopause. Bone mineral density is calculated and compared to the average value for healthy young women. Osteoporosis is defined as 2.5 more standard deviations below the average value. Osteopenia, a condition which indicates a less severe bone loss, is defined as between 1 and 2.5 standard deviations below the average value. The values are set by WHO (World Health Organization).

The test is performed using a special X-ray film taken of the hip and the lower bones in the spine. The scan is repeated in one and a half to two years’ time to measure the response of the treatment to osteoporosis.  DEXA scan is usually performed before a doctor prescribes medication for osteoporosis to rebuild bone mineral density.

Ultrasound machines are also used to conduct simple bone screening test to measure the bone mineral density of the heel. If low bone mineral density is measured, follow-up of the DEXA scan is required for further screening.

Heart Risk testing

Risk for heart disease is associated with menopausal women. Doctors perform blood test to measure the cholesterol levels in women. Women with High cholesterol levels are advised by the doctors to decrease their risk for heart disease.

Besides these 3 methods, women can know if they have begun going through their menopausal transition just by looking at the signs and symptoms related to menopause,.  The most common way to diagnose menopause is having amenorrhea for at least 3 to 12 months at the expected age range of 45 to 55-year-old.

However, on a side note…

References:

About.com, 2013. Menopause, Diagnosis. [online] Available at:<http://menopause.about.com/od/diagnosisofmenopause/Diagnosis_of_Menopause.htm> [Accessed 10 January 2013]

Kirk Shibley, 2011. WebMD-Menopause Health Center, Diagnosing menopause. [online] 2012. Available at:<http://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/diagnosing-menopause> [Accessed 10 January 2013]

Mayo Clinic Staff, 2011. Mayo Clinic - Menopause, Tests and diagnosis. [online] Available at:<http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/menopause/DS00119/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis> [Accessed 10 January 2013]

Mythili Seetharaman. emedicinehealth - bone mineral density tests. [online]. Available at:<http://www.rxlist.com/quiz_menopause/faq.htm#faq-220> [accesses 10 January 2013]