Early menopause assessment panel

If periods stop or change significantly earlier than expected, the cause needs to be clarified. This set of tests includes hormones related to ovarian, pituitary and thyroid function. The name of the panel is not a diagnosis, and one result is not enough to confirm premature ovarian insufficiency.

Who the panel is for

• women whose menstrual cycles have stopped or changed significantly earlier than expected
• women under 40 with symptoms for which a doctor is considering premature ovarian insufficiency
• women between 40 and 44 when early menopause is suspected
• women whose doctor also wants to assess other hormonal causes of cycle changes

What the panel contains and shows

• FSH: a pituitary hormone involved in regulating ovarian function.
• LH: a pituitary hormone associated with ovarian function and ovulation.
• Oestradiol: one of the main oestrogens, whose level changes during the cycle and as ovarian function changes.
• Progesterone: a hormone whose interpretation is particularly related to the part of the cycle in which the sample was taken.
• TSH: an initial indicator of thyroid function, which can also affect the cycle.
• Prolactin: a pituitary hormone whose abnormal levels may be associated with cycle changes.

Preparation and sample

The tests use venous blood. Come for blood collection in the morning, at least two hours after waking, and rest briefly before sampling. This is particularly important for prolactin.

Coordinate hormone blood collection with your cycle or your doctor’s instructions. If you are not menstruating, state the date of your last bleeding. Mention any medicines and hormonal preparations you take, without stopping treatment on your own.

How to interpret the result

Raised FSH together with lower oestradiol may indicate a weaker ovarian response to hormonal stimulation. Age and the duration of cycle disturbance determine whether early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency is considered. One result does not replace that assessment.

Raised prolactin or abnormal TSH can direct investigation towards other hormonal causes of absent periods. Cycle changes are therefore not always due to reduced ovarian function.

Progesterone is assessed according to the phase of the cycle. A low level before ovulation is expected and is not interpreted in the same way as a low level when a rise is expected. The doctor decides whether an individual hormone needs repeating based on the first result.

Which panel matches your reason for testing?

Three panels are available: perimenopause assessment panel, postmenopause assessment panel and early menopause assessment panel. The choice depends on your age, cycle changes and reason for testing.

If a broader fertility problem is being assessed, the fertility investigation panelis also relevant, but additional tests are selected according to the gynaecologist’s recommendation.

How to arrange testing

You can have blood taken without an appointment or referral at one of our branches across Croatia (listed under Contact). Prices for all tests and panels are available in the service price list. You can receive free consultations with your results.