Early Menopause Panel

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Estradiol

Estradiol (estradiol-17 beta, E2) is part of an estrogen that is a group of steroids that regulate the menstrual cycle and function as the main female sex hormones. Estrogens are responsible for the development of female sex organs and secondary sex characteristics and are tied to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. They are considered the main sex hormones in women and are present in small quantities in men. Estradiol (E2) is the predominant form of estrogen and is produced primarily in the ovaries with additional amounts produced by the adrenal glands in women and in the testes and adrenal glands in men. Estradiol levels are used in evaluating ovarian function. Estradiol levels are increased in cases of early (precocious) puberty in girls and gynecomastia in men. Its main use has been in the differential diagnosis of amenorrhea – for example, to determine whether the cause is menopause, pregnancy, or a medical problem. In assisted reproductive technology (ART), serial measurements are used to monitor follicle development in the ovary in the days prior to in vitro fertilization. Estradiol is also sometimes used to monitor menopausal hormone replacement therapy.

Also known as: Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone

Fsh

Lh

Also known as: PRL

Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland, a grape-sized organ found at the base of the brain. Prolactin secretion is regulated and inhibited by the brain chemical dopamine. Normally present in low amounts in men and non-pregnant women, prolactin's primary role is to promote lactation (breast milk production). Prolactin levels are usually high throughout pregnancy and just after childbirth. During pregnancy, the hormones prolactin, estrogen, and progesterone stimulate breast milk development. Following childbirth, prolactin helps initiate and maintain the breast milk supply. If a woman does not breastfeed, her prolactin level soon drops back to pre-pregnancy levels. If she does nurse, suckling by the infant plays an important role in the release of prolactin. There is a feedback mechanism between how often the baby nurses and the amount of prolactin secreted by the pituitary as well as the amount of milk produced. Another common cause of elevated prolactin levels is a prolactinoma, a prolactin-producing tumor of the pituitary gland. Prolactinomas are the most common type of pituitary tumor and are usually benign. They develop more frequently in women but are also found in men. Problems resulting from them can arise both from the unintended effects of excess prolactin, such as milk production in the non-pregnant woman (and rarely, man) and from the size and location of the tumor. If the anterior pituitary gland and/or the tumor enlarge significantly, it can put pressure on the optic nerve, causing headaches and visual disturbances, and it can interfere with the other hormones that the pituitary gland produces. In women, prolactinomas can cause infertility and irregularities in menstruation; in men, these tumors can cause a gradual loss in sexual function and libido. If left untreated, prolactinomas may eventually damage the tissues around them.

Also known as: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyrotropin

TSH

A TSH test is a lab test that measures the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland. It tells the thyroid gland to make and release thyroid hormones into the blood.

TSH

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The Early Menopause Panel panel contains 4 tests with 6 biomarkers.

The Early Menopause Panel is a diagnostic test that measures a combination of hormone levels that can fluctuate during a woman's transition into menopause, specifically during the early stages. The hormones tested include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and prolactin.

Who: Women under the age of 45 who may be experiencing symptoms of early menopause or have risk factors for early menopause. This includes those with a family history of early menopause, autoimmune disorders, or previous chemotherapy or pelvic radiation treatments.

About the Test: The Early Menopause Panel analyzes the levels of specific hormones in the blood that change during menopause. It is particularly useful for identifying early menopause, a condition where menopause begins before the age of 45. Understanding these levels can help healthcare providers offer appropriate treatment and support, as early menopause can have implications for bone health, cardiovascular health, and other aspects of well-being.

What's Tested:

  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): A higher level may indicate reduced ovarian function, a sign of early menopause.
  • Estradiol: A lower level of this form of estrogen may signal early menopause.
  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Fluctuations can impact ovulation and signal changes in reproductive health.
  • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): As thyroid function affects overall metabolism, abnormal levels might be related to symptoms.
  • Prolactin: Abnormal levels may be associated with reproductive and menstrual problems.

Signs & Symptoms: Women experiencing the following might consider the Early Menopause Panel:

  • Missed or irregular periods
  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Mood swings
  • Sleep disturbances

Benefits:

  • Diagnosis and Understanding: Helps in diagnosing early menopause and understanding the hormonal causes.
  • Treatment and Management: Assists healthcare providers in personalizing treatments, possibly including hormone replacement therapy or lifestyle adjustments.
  • Health Planning: Facilitates discussions and planning around fertility and other health considerations related to early menopause.

Preparation and Considerations:

  • The test requires a blood sample.
  • Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider before the test.
  • Consider discussing any medications or supplements you're taking, as they may influence the results.

Conclusion: The Early Menopause Panel is a comprehensive tool for women who may be at risk or showing signs of early menopause. By measuring various hormone levels, this panel offers insights into the complex hormonal changes occurring during this transition. It provides valuable information that can lead to effective treatment and management strategies, helping to ease symptoms and protect long-term health. Whether early menopause is suspected due to symptoms or risk factors, this panel provides critical guidance for both the patient and healthcare provider.

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