Postmenopause assessment panel

Hormone patterns change after menstrual cycles stop, but not every woman needs a blood test to establish menopause. This panel includes three hormones and can be used in selected diagnostic situations. It does not replace assessment by a gynaecologist or serve as a standalone general health check after menopause.

Who the panel is for

• women whose doctor has recommended a targeted hormonal assessment
• women whose menstrual history and other circumstances do not allow a straightforward answer to the clinical question
• women who need to discuss whether hormonal medicines affect interpretation of their results
• women who want to understand the difference between confirming menopause and other health examinations

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.

Preparation and sample

FSH, oestradiol and LH are measured in venous blood. Coordinate blood collection timing with your doctor. State when your last period occurred and whether you are taking hormone therapy.

Do not stop hormone therapy on your own for the purpose of obtaining a test result.

How to interpret the result

After menopause, the ovaries produce less oestradiol and the pituitary increases stimulation through FSH and LH. A combination of lower oestradiol with higher FSH and LH can therefore correspond to a postmenopausal pattern.

That pattern does not mean the same thing at every age. In a woman younger than the expected age of menopause, the reason for the same values needs particular clarification. Hormone therapy also changes levels, so results are assessed alongside information about the preparation you take.

The levels of these three hormones do not indicate bone density or assess all health risks after menopause. Other targeted tests are chosen for those questions.

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.