MENOPAUSE TEST FAQ's

• What does this test do?
  This is a home-use test kit to measure Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) in your urine. This may help indicate if you are in menopause or perimenopause.
• What is menopause?
  Menopause is the stage in your life when menstruation stops for at least 12 months. The time before this is called perimenopause and could last for several years. You may reach menopause in your early 40's or as late as your 60's.
• What is FSH?
  Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland. FSH levels increase temporarily each month to stimulate your ovaries to produce eggs. When you enter menopause and your ovaries stop working, your FSH levels also increase.
• What type of test is this?
  This is a qualitative test - you find out whether or not you have elevated FSH levels, not if you definitely are in menopause or perimenopause.
• Why should I do this test?
  You should use this test if you want to know if your symptoms, such as irregular periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, or sleep problems are part of menopause. While many women may have little or no trouble when going through the stages of menopause, others may have moderate to severe discomfort and may want treatment to alleviate their symptoms. This test may help you be better informed about your current condition when you see your doctor.
• How accurate is this test?
  This test will accurately detect FSH about 9 out of 10 times. This test does not detect menopause or perimenopause. As you grow older, your FSH levels may rise and fall during your menstrual cycle. While your hormone levels are changing, your ovaries continue to release eggs and you can still become pregnant. The accuracy of this test will depend on whether you used your first morning urine, drank large amounts of water before the test, use, or recently stopped using, oral or patch contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, or estrogen supplements.
• How do I perform this test?
  You put a few drops of your urine into the test device. Chemicals in the test device react with FSH and produce colored lines. Read the test instructions carefully to learn exactly how to perform and interpret the test results.
• Is the home menopause test similar to the one my doctor uses?
  This home menopause test may be identical to the one your doctor uses as an initial screening device. However your doctor would also use your medical history, physical exam, and other laboratory tests to get a more thorough assessment of your condition.
• Does a positive test mean I am in menopause?
  A positive test indicates that you may be in a stage of menopause. If you have a positive test, or if you have any symptoms of menopause, you should see your doctor. Do not stop taking contraceptives based on the results of this test because it is not foolproof and you could become pregnant.
• Do negative test results indicate that I am not in menopause?
  If you have a negative test result, but you have symptoms of menopause, you may be in perimenopause or menopause. You should not assume that a negative test means you have not reached menopause, there could be other reasons for the negative result. You should always discuss your symptoms and your test results with your doctor.
• Can I use this test as a fertility test?
  Do not use this test to determine if you are fertile or can become pregnant. This test will not give you a reliable answer on your ability to become pregnant.

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Last Revision Made 6/18/09