In recent years, there has been much-needed attention on women’s health. Alongside this focus, a rapidly growing industry of at-home medical testing, fem-tech, and women’s health coaches or “experts” has emerged.
The Good and the Bad
While much of this development is positive, some aspects are unnecessary, non-evidence-based, potentially dangerous, and create problems to provide expensive solutions. This trend, under the guise of empowering women in their health, often financially capitalizes on vulnerable women.
A Case in Point: At-Home Menopause Tests
Take, for example, the at-home menopause test available at Coles supermarkets. This test measures FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) from the pituitary gland. After menopause, FSH levels are elevated as there are no ovarian follicles left to develop.
For women over 45, menopause is a clinical diagnosis. The Australian Menopause Society and other major guidelines support this. If you are over 45 and have lost your periods for more than 12 months without signs or symptoms suggesting an alternate cause, you are in the post-menopause period.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause, involves pituitary-ovary dysfunction. Blood tests often appear normal, and it is also a clinical diagnosis, excluding other potential causes of symptoms, such as hyperthyroidism.
Concerns with At-Home Testing
Here are some concerns with at-home menopause tests:
1️⃣ Misleading Results: Someone with perimenopause symptoms significantly impacting their life might get a normal test result. This doesn’t mean HRT (hormone replacement therapy) isn’t beneficial.
2️⃣ Misdiagnosis: A positive test result might lead someone to believe their symptoms are due to menopause when they could be from another condition, such as lymphoma. The test isn’t a substitute for a doctor who knows which questions to ask.
3️⃣ Missed Diagnoses: A normal test result might lead someone to overlook a serious condition, such as a pituitary tumour, because they don’t see a doctor.
The Importance of Professional Diagnosis
Ultimately, 90% of getting to the correct diagnosis relies on history and examination skills. At-home testing could result in missed or incorrect diagnoses and should always be followed up with a doctor’s appointment and confirmatory blood tests.
If you have lost your periods under the age of 45 or have troubling symptoms of peri-menopause or menopause, please see your doctor, not a supermarket. 🫶🏻