Menopause is the natural end of menstruation, typically around age 51. Perimenopause, on the other hand, is the transition period leading up to menopause, which can start years before. According to a survey, 45% of women didn't know the difference between perimenopause and menopause, and only 31% discussed their symptoms with a healthcare provider. Furthermore, the survey underscored that a significant 73% of respondents were not seeking treatment for their symptoms. (1)

Menopause symptoms can be confusing and frustrating, sometimes even overlapping with symptoms of other conditions. The Clearblue Menopause Stage Indicator is a new over-the-counter test kit that can help estimate the menopause stage.

What Is the Clearblue Menopause Stage Indicator?

The Clearblue Menopause Stage Indicator utilizes urine samples to estimate menopause stage based on FSH levels, with results recorded in a free app (2). FSH levels rise as you get closer to menopause. The kit includes five test sticks. How does it work?

• Women use a test stick every other day for a urine sample, waiting 5 minutes per test to interpret the results.

• Two lines indicate a high FSH level (positive), while one line indicates a low FSH (negative).

• Then the user inputs results, cycle information, and age into the secure app, which calculates their probable menopause stage: premenopause, early perimenopause, late perimenopause, or postmenopause.

Pros

This type of testing offers some advantages, according to Dr. Alyssa Dweck, an obstetrician/gynecologist and the chief medical officer at Bonafide Health, a women's health supplement company.

Dr. Dweck emphasizes that the test helps bring awareness to the menopause space and can shed light on why symptoms are occurring. Additionally, the test is user-friendly and conducted through a familiar urine test platform.

Dr. Dweck explains that menopause is defined as 12 months without a period and with a diagnosis usually done in clinical evaluation. Confirmation can be done through blood or urine testing. However, a menopause stage indicator could serve as a supplement for individuals who either prefer not to – or cannot – undergo blood testing. It’s also helpful for those who lack menstrual status to aid with diagnosis, including those who've undergone a hysterectomy, says Dr. Dweck.

Dr. Mary Claire Haver, an obstetrician/gynecologist and creator of The Galveston Diet, a menopause nutrition program, says in addition to aiding individuals post-hysterectomy, the at-home test may benefit those with suppressed periods due to procedures like endometrial ablation or those using a progestin-containing IUD. Nonetheless, Dr. Haver acknowledges that the practical application of at-home indicator tests remains limited.

Cons

When considering the drawbacks of a menopause stage indicator, our experts raise some concerns. Hormone levels can vary significantly during perimenopause, potentially changing not only from month to month but even from day to day, points out Sue May, M.Ed., a menopause and integrative wellness coach and founder of Midlife Evolved. Consequently, the margin of error associated with a menopause stage indicator test may be too large for reliable results.

Additionally, the product states that only a healthcare professional can confirm your menopause stage. “If we already know we need a trip to a doctor, this is likely not telling you very much and may not be worth the money spent,” says May. The test kit is priced at approximately $20 at Walmart, while it’s priced at around $30 at both Walgreens and Amazon.

Dr. Dweck agrees with these concerns, emphasizing the inherent challenges in interpreting at-home test results due to hormone fluctuations. She advises against relying solely on these results, particularly when making decisions about contraception.

Dr. Haver echoes this sentiment, stating that most women may not require testing to determine their menopause status. Instead, the focus should be on addressing and treating symptoms, whether they occur during menopause or perimenopause. “Treatment for menopausal symptoms isn’t subject to where you are in the stages of menopause, but based on your health background, symptoms, and comfort level with the options available to you,” emphasizes Dr. Haver.

Final Thoughts

A menopause stage indicator offers a convenient at-home option for tracking hormonal changes during menopause. It can be beneficial for women who no longer have menstrual periods or cannot undergo blood testing. Additionally, it can serve as a useful conversation starter with a healthcare provider. Nonetheless, Dr. Haver advises seeking a knowledgeable healthcare provider for comprehensive menopause guidance tailored to your unique health history.

To be clear, the test itself poses no harm, says Dr. Dweck. She is open to assisting patients in interpreting their results but acknowledges that its necessity in her medical practice remains limited.

It’s also important to note that the test can yield false positive or negative results, underscoring the significance of consulting with a healthcare provider experienced in treating menopause, as they can ensure an accurate assessment of menopause status.

Ultimately, the decision to use an at-home menopause stage indicator like that of Clearblue should be guided by your individual needs and comfort level in consultation with a healthcare professional well-versed in menopause symptoms and treatments.

What are your thoughts on at-home hormonal testing? Let’s talk about it.

Resources:

1. The State of Menopause survey. Bonafide.

2. Menopause Stage Indicator. Clearblue.