Some tests you should know about

[Nicole]

Hi ladies,

If you suspect you are going through POF/early menopause, here are the tests you should get done:

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinising Hormone (LH) and oestradiol (E2 oestrogen)
These tests should be done on the third day of your cycle (if you still have one) and should be done at least twice as hormone levels can and do fluctuate naturally. If your FSH level is above 10 this would require discussion and possible referral to a specialist (endocrinologist or gynaecologist).

If these tests confirm your suspicions, there are a number of tests your specialist should then perform:

Baseline bone density or DEXA scan
The need for a repeat scan will be guided by result and decisions around oestrogen replacement. Don't worry, this is very low radiation compared to normal X-Rays.

Blood tests
Iron levels, vitamin D, glucose, lipids, cortisol, thyroid and antibodies - adrenal, antiendomysial, thyroid, testosterone.

If you find a worrying lump in your breast, an ultrasound scan is better than mammography for viewing younger (denser) breast tissue - and far less painful!

I asked my specialist to give me this list of recommended tests and she asked me to say that this is a general guide not a medical opinion and should not replace a consultation with your healthcare professional. Everyone has a unique medical background and your doctor should discuss with you the tests required and what your test results mean for you.

I just thought you needed to know the level of care you should be getting, in case you're not.

Bye for now,
Nicole.

[Nicole]

If it helps as an illustration, here is a set of my test results:

FSH: 93.1 IU/l VERY HIGH (early follicular range 1-10, post-menopausal range 25-120)
LH: 33.6 IU/L VERY HIGH (early follicular range 0.4-15, post-menopausal range 16-80)
Estradiol: <150 pmol/l VERY LOW(early follicular range <300, post-menopausal range <200)

They didn’t change much over time and my specialist thought this made my POF diagnosis pretty clear, even though I had virtually no symptoms (except a lack of periods).

[Nicole]

IN ADDITION...

Women with spontaneous Premature Ovarian Failure are at increased risk for a number of other conditions, particularly:
• Hypothyroidism – low thyroid function can slow the metabolism, leading to mental and physical sluggishness
• Addison’s Disease – a condition where the body attacks the adrenal glands which are important for coping with stressful events such as severe illness, injury or surgery
• Fragile X Syndrome – a genetic condition that leads to learning disabilities.

Regular testing means your overall health is adequately monitored for these and other health concerns.

Don't forget you can find more information on Health & Wellbeing on our website:

http://www.earlymenopause.org.nz/health_and_wellbeing

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