Menopause blood test — FSH and estradiol, read the right way.
Menopause is technically diagnosed retrospectively — 12 months with no period. But FSH + estradiol, drawn correctly, gives the clearest hormonal confirmation between perimenopause and post-menopause.
Her Form draws the menopause panel at home and our health specialists writes the result against your symptoms, cycle history and any HRT considerations. Robyn is available for an optional 1:1 consult on personalised next steps.
What the menopause panel reads
FSH consistently >30 IU/L (drawn twice, ≥4 weeks apart) with low estradiol (<73 pmol/L) is the lab fingerprint of menopause.
Single FSH numbers in perimenopause swing wildly — a 'normal' FSH does not rule out menopause if symptoms and cycles say otherwise.
Thyroid (TSH, free T3, free T4) is essential here — hypothyroidism mimics menopause symptoms and is missed in roughly 1 in 8 women in this window.
If HRT is on the table, we add lipids, fasting glucose, vitamin D and bone-relevant markers so you have a baseline before starting.
When to test for menopause
If you've gone 12 months with no period: any day works.
If your cycle is irregular: two FSH/estradiol draws ≥4 weeks apart give a much cleaner read than a single test.
If you're on combined contraception or HRT: FSH/estradiol are masked — pause for 4–6 weeks (with medical guidance) or rely on AMH and symptom picture.
The markers that clarify the picture
Perimenopause Package
Navigate perimenopause with confidence.
- · Estradiol, progesterone, FSH
- · Bone & cardiovascular markers
- · HRT-readiness review
What FSH level confirms menopause?+
FSH consistently >30 IU/L on two draws ≥4 weeks apart, paired with low estradiol (<73 pmol/L) and 12 months of no period, confirms menopause. Single values can mislead in perimenopause.
Why test estradiol alongside FSH?+
FSH rises as estradiol falls — reading them together gives the brain↔ovary picture. Either marker alone can be misleading, especially in late perimenopause.
Can I test for menopause on HRT?+
Combined HRT masks FSH and estradiol. You can pause for 4–6 weeks (with doctor input) to get a clean read, or rely on AMH plus symptom picture if pausing isn't safe for you.
Why is thyroid on a menopause panel?+
Thyroid disease mimics menopause symptom-for-symptom — fatigue, weight, mood, temperature, hair. Roughly 1 in 8 women develop thyroid issues in this window; missing it means treating the wrong hormone.
Is a GP referral needed?+
No — Her Form is direct-to-consumer. We send a certified nurse to your home, ship samples to our accredited partner lab, and return results with a written review by our health specialists. Robyn is available for an optional 1:1 consult.
How long until I have my results?+
7–14 working days from draw, including written specialist review. Anything urgent is flagged the same day it lands.
References
- NICE — Menopause guideline (NG23) — Menopause diagnosis and management
- British Menopause Society (BMS) — HRT safety, vasomotor symptoms and bone protection
- Jean Hailes for Women's Health — Post-menopause long-term health
- RANZCOG — Menopause position statement — HRT and cardiovascular/bone risk in ANZ women
- Endocrine Society — Hormone Therapy guidelines — Evidence on hormonal interventions in menopause
The references above are provided for educational purposes only. Her Form does not endorse any specific organisation, treatment, or guideline. Information on this page does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.