Women's Health
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October 5, 2023

Top Labs To Run On Your Patients Going Through Menopause

Written By
Dr. Chil Khakham MBA, NMD
Medically Reviewed by
Updated On
January 14, 2025

Menopause is a natural occurrence that indicates the end of menses, signaling the end of reproductive years. Many individuals start experiencing this hormonal shift in their early 50s. Around 1.3 million women begin this next chapter of their lives every year. For many, menopause can be a challenging time. It is estimated that 75% of women may experience vasomotor symptoms, 60% may have urogenital symptoms, and 45% may have psychogenic symptoms. Therefore, it is important for individuals to have options that may help them manage these symptoms for a smoother transition. From an integrative perspective, functional medicine labs can offer insights into specific imbalances that occur. These labs can help facilitate a personalized holistic plan to support individuals through this transition.

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What Is Menopause?

Menopause occurs when menstruating individuals cease their menses for a 12-month duration. This hormonal shift is not associated with pathology and is a normal physiological process. During this transition, ovarian follicles are significantly reduced and don't respond to the effects of FSH, preventing an LH surge and ovulation. This change leads to a decline in estrogen and an end to menstruation. Menopause can also be medically induced by procedures such as hysterectomies or medications such as chemotherapy.

When Does Menopause Start? 

There are three stages that occur during menopause: perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Perimenopause is considered the transition and can begin up to ten years prior to menopause as the ovaries gradually start to decrease their hormone production of estrogen. This stage typically starts in the 40s. Menopause is the stage where the ovaries aren't releasing eggs and stop producing estrogens, which stops the menstrual cycle. This stage typically occurs around ages 51 and 52. It's important to note that about 5% of women may experience menopause in their 40s. Post-menopause is the part of life after not having a menstrual cycle for 12 months.

Possible Menopause Symptoms

During the transition into menopause, symptoms and their intensity can vary for each individual as hormone levels will vary. Menopausal symptoms may include:  

Vasomotor Symptoms:

  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Heart palpitations
  • Tension headaches
  • Migraines

Urogenital Symptoms:

  • Vaginal atrophy and dryness
  • Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
  • Urinary urgency and frequency
  • Painful urination
  • Incontinence

Psychogenic Symptoms:

  • Irritability
  • Mood changes
  • Sleep issues
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Loss of confidence

Other Symptoms:

May include,

  • Irregular periods
  • Increased intensity of PMS
  • Muscle aches
  • Weight gain
  • Hair thinning

What Are The Benefits of Regular Lab Testing For Individuals Going Through Menopause?

Regular labs for individuals going through menopause can help practitioners understand the key factors contributing to their symptoms. The results of these tests can aid in creating individualized strategies to manage menopause so individuals can have a more comfortable transition. These tests may also be beneficial to help effectively monitor any approaches that may be implemented, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and retesting should occur in 3-6 month increments during this time. This approach can help individuals manage their symptoms so this natural process doesn't negatively impact their daily lives. 

Although HRT has been shown to be used often in relieving menopausal symptoms and decreasing the risk of conditions such as osteoporosis, there are some risks associated with HRT that should be mentioned. HRT has also been indicated in increasing the risk of breast cancer and strokes. New research is showing that the benefits of HRT for menopausal symptoms may not outweigh the risks and should be carefully considered before utilizing this approach. 

Top Labs To Run Bi-Annually For Individuals Going Through Menopause

The diagnosis of menopause is made through a clinical intake of age and symptoms, ruling out other conditions, and discussing the menstrual cycle within the past year. Here are some top labs to consider running regularly for individuals going through menopause:

Comprehensive Hormone Panel

A comprehensive female hormone panel is indicated for individuals going through menopause, as this is a phase of hormonal change. This functional lab test assesses all the necessary hormone markers associated with menopause, including FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone levels. Elevated FSH and LH levels with low levels of estrogen and progesterone can indicate menopause. Testing for these hormones regularly can provide accurate monitoring of approaches that intend to support hormone balance to help manage menopausal symptoms.

Micronutrient Assessment

Nutritional needs vary for each individual during this transition phase. Nutrients such as vitamin D3 and calcium are important for bone health, and the risk of osteoporosis may increase during the menopausal transition. Therefore, measuring these nutrient levels can be beneficial to ensure sufficient levels to support individuals through this time. The micronutrient panel can analyze different vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants to screen for any deficiencies.

Cardiometabolic Analysis

Research indicates that lipid levels can be affected during menopause. These changes can increase the risk for cardiovascular issues as total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and lipoprotein(a) can increase during this stage. The lipid panel measures all these markers and others to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease. This test can help address these risks and allow for tracking and supporting healthy lipid levels.

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Complete Thyroid Test

Thyroid disruption has been shown to increase in menopausal individuals. The risk of thyroid conditions such as thyroid cancer also increases. A complete thyroid panel assesses all the relevant thyroid hormones, including reverse T3 and antibody levels that may be imbalanced. A thyroid panel should be considered to detect any thyroid risk and associated symptoms. 

GI-MAP

Evidence suggests that the gut microbiota can be significantly altered during menopause. Imbalances in the microbiome can increase intestinal permeability, lead to digestive issues, and result in other implications such as weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. A thorough examination of the gut microbiota using labs such as the GI-MAP can provide insight into the diversity and health of the microbiome. This test can guide personalized gut health protocols to support microbiome health and gut function while managing the risk of other health conditions associated with a disrupted microbiome.

 

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Summary

Individuals go through many different hormonal changes throughout their lives. The hormonal transition of menopause is just another part of the health journey. To fully support individuals through this phase, a comprehensive approach to care is beneficial. Many may experience some, if not a combination, of vasomotor, urogenital, and psychogenic symptoms that include hot flashes, night sweats, decreases in libido, difficulty sleeping, and many others that can impact daily life during menopause. Regular lab testing can help individualize options to address any underlying factors contributing to those symptoms and help individuals enjoy this part of their lives more fully.

The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.

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