My hormone status – what I should know.

I want to know if I’m going through the menopause. That’s why I’m having a hormone status done. A hormone status is a test in which various hormones in the blood are measured to determine whether they are within a normal range.

But it’s not that simple. There are various comprehensive hormone status tests and the interpretation of the values requires a great deal of experience and there is usually a lack of clarity about what this means.

Let’s take a closer look.

What is measured in a hormone status?

The measurement of a hormone status can vary in scope. Blood is taken and the following parameters (depending on the scope) are measured.

1. FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)
2. LH (luteinizing hormone)
3. Oestradiol (E2)
4. Progesterone
5. Testosterone
6. Thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4)
7. Cortisol
8. Prolactin
9. AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone)

The evaluation provides values and limit values. However, these say little on their own, but must be interpreted as a whole. What is good for one woman may be borderline for another. It is therefore very important to understand the woman as a whole, i.e. the clinical context, age and life circumstances, in order to draw the right conclusions. In newsletter «#017: What is an oestrogen test?» we looked specifically at the oestrogen test.

When is a hormone status recommended?

The average age for the menopause is 51, but it can also occur many years earlier. It is therefore advisable to have a hormone status test carried out at around 40 years of age in order to know the baseline, and again when the first menopausal symptoms occur. It also makes sense to consider hormone replacement therapy if menopausal symptoms are severe.

What do the values say?

1. FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)

The value increases during the menopause. The higher the value, the lower the ovarian function. In the postmenopause (after menstruation has stopped), the FSH value is above 20 IU/ml.

• LH (luteinizing hormone)

This level rises during the menopause. The LH level normally indicates ovulation.

• Oestradiol (E2)

A drop in oestradiol levels indicates the start of the menopause and is a hormone from the oestrogen group. The lower the level, the lower the function of the ovaries (permanently below 10 pg/ml).

• Progesterone

Progesterone is a sex hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, among other things. A progesterone deficiency leads to cycle irregularities during the menopause. In the postmenopause, it is not absolutely necessary to determine the progesterone level, as progesterone must always be administered as part of hormone replacement therapy with oestrogen, as otherwise the risk of cancer increases.

• Testosterone

Testosterone is a sex hormone that works not only in men but also in women, albeit in varying quantities.

• Thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4)

Thyroid dysfunction can occur during the menopause and cause symptoms similar to those of the menopause.

• Cortisol

Stress can increase during the menopause. Cortisol can be a marker for the body’s stress response.

• Prolactin

An increase in prolactin levels can be an indication of other health problems that can occur during the menopause.

• AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone)

A low AMH level can indicate a low ovarian reserve and mean that the menopause is progressing.

At what levels should I start hormone replacement therapy?

Unfortunately, there is no clear statement on this. The overall picture is important. The aim is always to treat the symptoms with the lowest possible dose. This alone will noticeably improve your attitude to life.

When should you not consider hormone replacement therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy should not be started in the case of cancer, particularly ovarian or breast cancer or hormone-producing tumors in general.

What else do I need to know about hormone replacement therapy?

If you would like to know more about hormone replacement therapy, you can read our blog post «Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – What do I need to know?».

We hope this information will help you to better understand the menopause and take practical steps to deal with it. If you need personal advice or support on your journey through the menopause, contact The Women Circle here.

In our next edition, again on Saturday at 9am, we will cover more aspects of the menopause and women’s health. Stay informed and feel good in this special phase of life.