The Menopause Blood Test provides crucial insights into your reproductive hormone levels to help confirm whether you’re approaching, experiencing, or have completed menopause. Menopause—defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period—marks the end of reproductive years, typically occurring between ages 45-55. The transition period (perimenopause) can span several years and cause significant symptoms affecting quality of life.
FSH is produced by the pituitary gland to stimulate follicle growth and egg maturation in the ovaries. As the ovaries become less responsive with age and egg supply depletes, the pituitary releases more FSH to try to stimulate ovulation.
Estradiol is the primary and most potent form of estrogen produced by developing ovarian follicles. It regulates the menstrual cycle, supports uterine lining growth, maintains bone density, protects cardiovascular health, and affects brain function, mood, and skin health.
LH, also produced by the pituitary gland, triggers the release of a mature egg from the ovarian follicle during ovulation. Similar to FSH, LH levels rise as the ovaries become less responsive. Elevated LH levels support the diagnosis of ovarian insufficiency, though LH testing is less commonly required than FSH for menopause diagnosis.
Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum (temporary gland formed after ovulation) and prepares the uterine lining for potential pregnancy. In a normal menstrual cycle, progesterone rises significantly in the luteal phase (second half of cycle).
Venous blood sample drawn
1-2 working days
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A menopause blood test measures hormones linked to your menstrual cycle, together with thyroid markers, from one blood sample taken from a vein. It gives you a snapshot of your hormone levels on the day the sample is taken.
Our private Menopause Blood Test checks 10 markers, including FSH, oestradiol (E2), LH and progesterone, plus thyroid function and thyroid antibodies. Many people use the results to have a clearer, better-informed conversation with their GP about symptoms they think may be linked to perimenopause or menopause.
People book a menopause hormone test for different reasons. Some of the most common are below.
Changes to your periods or symptoms such as hot flushes at a younger age are worth discussing with your GP. A result can give you information to take to that appointment.
Thyroid problems can cause symptoms that overlap with menopause, such as tiredness, low mood and feeling too hot or cold. This test checks thyroid markers alongside reproductive hormones.
Some people prefer to have their hormone and thyroid levels in hand before a consultation, so they can ask more specific questions.
Book online, choose a Clinic Visit, Home Visit (Essex only) or Kit Only, and get your results within 1–2 working days.
The time leading up to menopause, when hormone levels start to change and periods may become irregular. Symptoms often begin during this stage, and it can last for several years.
Usually recognised when you have not had a period for 12 months, if you are not using hormonal contraception. Some symptoms can continue after this point.
These symptoms are common and can have other causes too. Having them does not mean you are in perimenopause or menopause.
We want you to know exactly what you’re buying. A blood test alone does not diagnose or rule out menopause or perimenopause.
Hormone levels can rise and fall a lot from day to day during perimenopause, so a single result is only one piece of information. HRT and hormonal contraception can also affect results and how they are interpreted.
Menopause test strips from a pharmacy check your urine for FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and show a line when it is above a set level. Our test uses a venous blood sample analysed in a laboratory, so you get a measured level for each marker rather than a single yes or no result.
| Feature | Our blood test | Urine test strip |
|---|---|---|
| Sample | Venous blood, taken from a vein in your arm | Urine |
| What it checks | 10 markers, including FSH and thyroid function | FSH only |
| What you get | A measured level for each marker | A positive or negative line |
| Results | 1–2 working days | Read at home in minutes |
FSH levels can rise and fall from day to day during perimenopause, so a single result, from a blood test or a urine strip, can’t confirm or rule out menopause on its own. If you’re 45 or over, a GP will usually diagnose perimenopause or menopause from your symptoms without needing a test. A blood test can help you understand your hormone and thyroid levels alongside your symptoms and give you something concrete to discuss with your GP.
Your Menopause Blood Test includes these 10 markers.
NICE guidance says perimenopause and menopause are usually identified from your symptoms and period history, without blood tests. Some people still choose a test to understand their hormone and thyroid levels.
If you have symptoms or changes to your periods, a doctor may sometimes consider hormone blood tests as part of their assessment.
If your periods have stopped or become irregular, or you have menopause symptoms, speak to your GP. Early changes need a medical assessment.
At any age, hormone levels can fluctuate, so results are best read alongside your symptoms and history by a healthcare professional.
If you take HRT or hormonal contraception, it can change your hormone levels and how your results are interpreted.
Do not stop or change prescribed HRT, contraception or any other medication to have this test.
If you want to test while on HRT, talk to the person who prescribes it about whether a blood test would be useful for you.
HRT is usually reviewed based on how your symptoms respond, rather than routine blood tests to set the dose.
Follow the preparation instructions supplied for your test and visit type, including any guidance on eating and drinking beforehand.
If you still have periods, hormone levels change through your cycle. Ask our team whether timing matters for your booking.
Keep taking HRT, contraception and other prescribed medicines unless your prescriber tells you otherwise.
Call our team on 01277 652067 before your appointment if anything is unclear.
Your results should be read alongside your symptoms, period history and any treatment you take.
Some symptoms need checking by a doctor even if your blood test results look normal. Contact your GP if you have:
If you feel very unwell, call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.
Not sure which test is right for you? Browse all our blood tests or call 01277 652067.
A private menopause blood test with 10 markers, booked online in a few clicks.
Select your visit type in the booking options at the top of this page, add the test to your basket and check your basket total before checkout.
Looking for a menopause blood test near me? Enter your postcode or use our clinic finder to see the Swift Blood Tests clinic locations closest to you, then book the visit type that suits you.
If you’re in Essex, you can also choose a Home Visit when booking.
It measures 10 markers from one blood sample: FSH, Estradiol (E2), LH, progesterone, thyroid function tests, thyroid antibodies, prolactin, testosterone, SHBG and the free androgen index. The result is a snapshot of your levels on the day the sample is taken.
Not on its own. Menopause is usually recognised when you have not had a period for 12 months, and a doctor considers your symptoms and history. A blood test can add information, but it does not diagnose or rule out menopause by itself.
No, not on its own. Hormone levels can rise and fall a lot during perimenopause, so a single result may look normal even when you have symptoms. Your GP will look at your symptoms and period history.
Usually not for a diagnosis. NICE guidance says that for people aged 45 and over, perimenopause and menopause are normally identified from symptoms and period history without blood tests. Some people still choose a private test to understand their hormone and thyroid levels and to have results to discuss with their GP.
Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, when hormone levels change and periods may become irregular. Menopause is usually recognised when you have not had a period for 12 months, if you are not using hormonal contraception.
They do different jobs. A urine test strip checks FSH only and shows a positive or negative line. Our blood test measures 10 markers, including FSH and thyroid function, and gives a measured level for each one. Neither can confirm or rule out menopause on its own.
Speak to your GP. Periods stopping or becoming irregular before 45, and especially before 40, need a medical assessment. A private blood test can give you information to take to that appointment, but it does not diagnose early menopause on its own.
If you still have periods, hormone levels change through your cycle, so timing can affect your results. Follow the guidance given for your booking, or call our team on 01277 652067 to check. If you take HRT, speak to your prescriber before testing.
Yes, HRT and hormonal contraception can affect hormone levels and how results are interpreted. Do not stop or change any prescribed treatment to have this test. Speak to your prescriber first if you want to test while on HRT.
Please follow the preparation instructions supplied for your test and visit type. If you’re unsure whether you need to fast, call our team on 01277 652067 before your appointment.
Results are usually ready in 1–2 working days.
Talk to your GP. Hormone levels can fluctuate, so a normal result on one day does not mean your symptoms aren’t real or that you are not in perimenopause. Your GP will look at your symptoms and history as a whole.
Not always. Because hormone levels can change from day to day, a GP or clinician may sometimes suggest repeating a test. A repeat test on its own does not confirm or rule out menopause.
Yes. You’re welcome to share your results with your GP or another healthcare professional, who can look at them alongside your symptoms and history.
Most people feel a brief sharp scratch when the needle goes in, and it’s over quickly. If you’re nervous about needles or have fainted before, tell the person taking your blood so they can help you feel comfortable.
Enter your postcode in the clinic finder on this page, or visit our Find Your Nearest Clinic page. When booking, you can choose a Clinic Visit, a Home Visit (Essex only) or Kit Only (Venous Blood Collection).
This £120 test is designed for menopause and perimenopause questions and includes 10 markers, with thyroid function and thyroid antibodies. The Female Hormone Blood Test (£65) is a broader female hormone check for general cycle, fertility or hormone questions.
Choose your visit type above, or find the clinic that’s most convenient for you.
“Great service. I’m not the best with needles, however, Jo made me feel comfortable and at ease which made the whole process much more tolerable. 5 stars from me.
Chris C. Google review · ★★★★★