Is there a Menopause Test? And are home test kits worth it?
Updated: Oct 10
Have you been wondering if you're in perimenopause or menopause?
Home menopause test kits are available online and in some pharmacies, while blood tests can measure certain hormone levels.
But neither necessarily gives you a simple 'yes or no' answer.
For women aged 45 and over with typical symptoms, menopause can usually be identified from symptoms and changes to menstrual periods, without hormone testing.
And blood tests may be appropriate in certain circumstances, particularly for younger women or when another health condition could explain the symptoms.
So, are menopause test kits worth buying?
And what should you do if your blood test results come back 'normal' but you still suspect perimenopause?
Let’s look at what these tests can tell you, where their limitations lie, and what to consider next.
(Wondering whether you're the right age for perimenopause or menopause? My guide to the ages and stages of menopause explains when each stage typically begins and what to expect)
Contents
Are Home Menopause Test Kits reliable?
Home menopause test kits are marketed as a convenient way to check whether you might be approaching menopause.
Most measure follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), either through a urine sample or a finger-prick blood sample.
FSH levels tend to rise as ovarian function declines. However, during perimenopause, hormone levels can fluctuate considerably.
A test may detect raised FSH at one point in time, but that doesn't necessarily confirm menopause.
Equally, a result that doesn't show raised FSH doesn't rule out perimenopause.
The British Menopause Society has highlighted the limitations of over-the-counter menopause tests, particularly because results can be misleading when interpreted without considering symptoms, menstrual history and hormonal contraception.
Are menopause test kits worth the money?
Although home kits may seem like a quick way to get answers, they have important limitations:
They can't reliably diagnose menopause: A single FSH result doesn't provide a complete picture of the menopause transition.
Results can be difficult to interpret: Hormone levels fluctuate, particularly during perimenopause.
Hormonal contraception can affect results: Some forms of contraception make FSH testing unsuitable or difficult to interpret.
They may not tell you what you need to know: If you're experiencing symptoms, a healthcare professional can consider whether menopause or another condition could be responsible.
In the context of a broader trend known as "meno washing," some companies market these products as empowering tools for women’s health while, in reality, they're preying on the insecurities and uncertainties that come with menopause.
With aggressive marketing and promises of clarity, menopause test kits have gained a significant market presence despite their questionable accuracy.
While the marketing may claim to empower women, the reality is that these tests often cause confusion rather than clarity. Understanding the menopause test kit features can help you better assess whether they're truly worth your time and money.
For these reasons, I'd be cautious about spending money on a home menopause test kit expecting a definitive answer.
Menopause Blood Test Results: What do they mean?
If you’ve had a blood test to investigate your symptoms, you may be wondering what your menopause lab results actually tell you.
Some blood tests measure follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which rises as ovarian function declines.
However, hormone levels fluctuate so much during perimenopause that a single result may not give a reliable picture of where you are in the menopause transition.
A 'normal' blood test result does not necessarily mean you aren't perimenopausal.
Equally, symptoms that resemble menopause can have other causes, so it's important not to assume that every change is hormone-related.
Your age, symptoms, menstrual history and any hormonal medication you're taking all matter when a healthcare professional considers your results.
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For a fuller explanation of how menopause is diagnosed, when blood tests may be appropriate and what to do if your results are reported as normal, read my guide to Perimenopause and the NHS.
What to Do If Your Menopause Test Results Are 'Normal'
If your blood test results are normal but you're still experiencing symptoms that make you suspect perimenopause, don't assume that menopause has been ruled out.
Start by discussing your symptoms and any changes to your periods with your GP. If you're concerned that something else could be causing your symptoms, ask whether further assessment or investigations might be appropriate.
It can help to keep a record of your symptoms, when they occur and how they're affecting your everyday life. This gives you a clearer picture to discuss with your healthcare professional.
If you're unsure how menopause is diagnosed, when testing is appropriate or what to do if your concerns aren't being addressed, read my above guide to Perimenopause and the NHS.
Further Reading and Support
If you're looking for more information about menopause, testing and your health, these articles may help:
Books about menopause
Explore my guide to the 12 best menopause books for expert insights, practical advice and personal experiences that can help you better understand menopause.
The Ages and Stages of Menopause
Read my guide to the ages and stages of menopause to understand when perimenopause typically begins and when menopause usually occurs.
Perimenopause and Menopause diagnosis
My guide to Perimenopause and the NHS explains how menopause is diagnosed and what to do if you're struggling to get answers.
Menopause treatment
Read HRT: What Does It Do? to learn more about hormone replacement therapy and how it can help manage symptoms.
Understanding your health
Explore my reviews of Do Health and Stride DNA if you're interested in learning more about private health testing and genetic insights.
Book a session with me
My menopause support sessions can help you explore your symptoms, understand your options and identify practical steps to support your health and wellbeing.
A Menopause App
It is useful to track your symptoms using an app.
I highly recommend Dr Louise Newson’s Balance app for tracking your cycle.
Balance is a free app that has an in-built period tracker and it also allows you to log perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms.
On the app, you can generate your own personal health report. This can be downloaded or printed and taken to your healthcare appointments.
At a glance, your healthcare professional will be able to see your medical history, symptoms and periods (if you have them) which frees up time to spend the majority of your consultation discussing appropriate treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I tell if I'm starting menopause?
Although the average age of menopause is 51, the perimenopause generally starts in your early-mid 40s (although it can happen earlier or later due to genetics or surgery for example).
One of the first signs is usually a change to your menstrual cycle. Your ovaries may not release an egg every month due to your fluctuating oestrogen levels.
The NICE menopause guidelines give healthcare professionals clear guidelines on how to diagnose the perimenopause and menopause. Read the guidance here.
Every menopause is different and care should be individualised to your specific concerns.
How do you test for menopause?
As we've seen above, the Chair of the British Menopause Society and spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has said that they do not recommend over-the-counter menopause tests.
Keep a symptom diary, including a period tracker, and speak to your doctor who should follow the NICE menopause guidelines.
What is the biggest symptom of menopause?
Hot flushes affect 3 out of 4 women but symptoms vary enormously in women.
This booklet from Newson Health is an excellent resource for learning about the perimenopause and the symptoms you can expect.
What is the average age for perimenopause?
The average age of menopause in the UK is 51 but the perimenopause usually starts in your early-mid 40s.
Menopause is a complex transition that requires more comprehensive testing than these kits can provide.
There is such a need for women to have accessible and affordable guidance and support to manage their perimenopause symptoms and transform their health and wellbeing.
So if you're looking for a menopause specialist, I'm a certified Menopause Wellness Practitioner and an affiliate member of The British Menopause Society.
DISCLAIMER: This page does not provide medical advice; it is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek professional medical advice on any of the topics covered on this page.
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