5 Menopause Home Tests: What's the Best? (2023)

A quick look at the 5 best menopause home tests

• Best overall menopause home test: Everlywell Perimenopause Test
• Best for immediate results: reveal Menopause Test
• Best for health insights: Thorne Menopause Test
• Best for doctor’s consultation: myLAB Box Perimenopause Test
• Best for monitoring over time: LetsGetChecked Female Hormone Test

Menopause is a natural process that marks the end of reproductive years for someone with a uterus. In the years leading up to menopause, called perimenopause, you may experience hormonal and physiological changes. These changes can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including night sweats, mood swings, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness.

People who menstruate usually experience menopause in their 40s or 50s. According to the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), age 51 is average. If you’re approaching menopause, it’s important to understand the changes that go along with this transition.

Home menopause testing kits can give you an idea of what’s happening in your body. These tests can be helpful for those approaching menopause or who’ve been experiencing symptoms and want to know if they’re related to hormonal changes.

In this roundup, we’ll cover why you might want to use an at-home menopause test and review five of the best options.

What is a menopause home test?

A menopause home test is a simple, noninvasive way to check for certain hormones in your blood, saliva, or urine. The primary hormone that these tests assess is follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH is a hormone released by the pituitary gland. It’s involved in the menstrual cycle and egg development.

FSH level fluctuates over the menstrual cycle. It increases each month temporarily to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs. It also rises as you approach menopause because your ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone. Therefore, your FSH levels can indicate if your body is preparing for menopause.

Some tests may also check your levels of estradiol, a form of estrogen, and luteinizing hormone (LH). Estradiol thickens the uterine lining in preparation for egg implantation. After menopause, estradiol levels decrease while LH levels increase.

If you’re approaching menopause or experiencing symptoms that may be related to hormonal changes, a menopause home test could be a helpful tool.

In-person vs. at-home menopause tests

If you’re experiencing menopausal symptoms and want a definitive answer on whether or not you’re going through menopause, an in-person doctor’s visit is always the best option.

Although some at-home menopause tests are similar to the ones healthcare professionals use, your doctor also considers other factors. They’ll assess your symptoms, medical history, and family history as part of their comprehensive evaluation.

At-home menopause tests are convenient and can give a snapshot of what’s happening hormonally. They’ll also provide an estimate of your hormone levels. However, they can’t replace a doctor’s appointment.

If a home test indicates that you might be going through menopause, it’s still a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor. They can take a blood sample and a laboratory can analyze your FSH and other hormone levels accurately. This can give you a fuller picture of your health.

Do menopause home tests really work?

Yes, to some extent, but they are not definitive. A home test cannot confirm if you are in perimenopause or menopause.

Instead, the tests provide further information about your hormone status, and you’ll learn if your FSH levels are elevated. Then, you can use the results to inform your next steps.

So, if your FSH levels are high and you’re experiencing uncomfortable menopausal symptoms, this may be a clue that you’re approaching menopause. From there, you can make an appointment with your doctor to talk through your symptoms, medical history, and more.

How we chose

A variety of at-home menopause tests are out there. To choose the best, we kept the following in mind:

• ease of use
• convenience
• how quickly results come back
• price point
• further support
• reviews

Where possible, we chose companies that process test samples in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified labs. CLIA is the gold standard for lab quality.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $25
• $$ = $25–$100
• $$$ = over $100

The 5 best menopause home tests of 2022

Best overall menopause home test

Everlywell Perimenopause Test

Price: $$

The Everlywell perimenopause test is the best overall option because it’s comprehensive, has great reviews, and is priced reasonably.

Using a finger-prick blood sample collection, the test measures three key perimenopause hormones: FSH, estradiol, and LH.

Everlywell works with laboratories that hold a CLIA certification. This means that you can be confident that the labs your sample is going through are regulated, hold state and federal certifications, and undergo regular inspections.

Testing is a straightforward process. With your purchase, you’ll receive:

• prepaid shipping both ways
• detailed instructions on how to take your sample
• digital and printable results
• all materials for collection, including gauze, an alcohol pad, bandage, collection card, lancet, test requisition form, and biohazard bag
• a group webinar with a healthcare professional

Once you place your order and receive your kit, you’ll have to register it online. From there, you’ll collect your sample, mail it in for analysis, and receive your results within a few days.

Best for immediate results

reveal Menopause Test

Price: $

The reveal Menopause Test provides almost instant results by testing FSH levels in urine. There’s no need to send a sample away for analysis and wait for results.

The menopause test uses a dipstick that resembles a home pregnancy test kit. You’ll need to hold the testing device under midstream urine for 10 seconds until it’s thoroughly wet. Then, wait for the colored bands to appear.

There’s a control line and a test line. If both appear, the test has worked and is positive for elevated levels of FSH. On the other hand, if only the control line appears, the test is negative, and if no lines appear, it hasn’t worked.

This isn’t a sophisticated test, but it only assesses one hormone. It also doesn’t provide information on hormone levels, just a positive or negative result. However, it has an accessible price point, and it’s one of the only options for immediate results.

Best for health insights

Thorne Menopause Test

Price: $$$

If you’re looking for meaningful health insights and a personalized health plan, the Thorne Menopause Test is a great option. The test uses a saliva sample so you can also avoid the discomfort of a finger prick.

Thorne says this at-home menopause test is suitable for people of perimenopausal age or those who have menopausal symptoms. It can also help you learn more about your fertility status.

It’s the only at-home test on our list that measures the reproductive hormones estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, and the adrenal hormones cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

According to the company, adrenal hormones can be negatively affected by menopause because the adrenal gland becomes the main source of reproductive hormones after menopause. In testing for these five hormonal levels, the goal is to provide a more comprehensive snapshot of your health.

After you order and activate your kit, you’ll need to collect a saliva sample in the tube provided. Then, use the prepaid shipping envelope to return your sample to the laboratory. You’ll wait around 8 to 10 business days to receive your results and tailored health recommendations.

Best for doctor’s consultation

myLAB Box Perimenopause Test

Price: $$

One of the disadvantages of at-home testing is the lack of medical support. However, with myLAB Box, this is not an issue. Should your results suggest that you’re in perimenopause, myLAB Box includes a free consultation with a doctor to discuss the results.

The test looks at FSH, estradiol, and progesterone levels, and you’ll need to provide a blood and saliva sample.

The company uses CLIA certified labs, so you’re assured of accurate results and quality service. MyLAB Box is also listed with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

After ordering and receiving your kit, you’ll have to collect both samples and mail it in with the prepaid shipping label. You’ll receive results online in 1 to 5 days.

Best for monitoring over time

LetsGetChecked Female Hormone Test

Price: $$$

A subscription may be appealing if you’re interested in regularly monitoring your hormone levels over time. With LetsGetChecked, you can also save money by signing up for their trimonthly shipments.

After registering your testing kit, you’ll need to collect a finger-prick blood sample on the third day of your menstrual cycle before 10 a.m. Additionally, you can’t take the test if you’re using hormonal birth control. After collecting your sample, you have to mail it the same day using the prepaid envelope.

Within 2 to 5 days, you can view your results from your secure online account. A dedicated team of nurses is also available around the clock to discuss them with you.

A comparison of the best menopause home tests

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How to choose

Choosing the most suitable at-home menopause testing kit can be difficult with so many available.

The best one for you may depend on the following factors:

• Price point. The tests we reviewed cost from just under $10 to almost $200. You’ll most likely want to pick one that’s the best fit for your budget.
• Collection. Are you comfortable with a finger-prick blood sample, or would you prefer urine only?
• Hormones measured. Do you want to know about FSH or other hormones too?
• Results. Do you need answers quickly, or are you happy to wait up to 10 days?
• Support. Do you prefer a test that provides a free consultation with a healthcare professional?

By considering these factors and reading the detailed product descriptions, you can find a home menopause testing kit that provides the information and support you need.

When to see a doctor

Menopause is a major life change. It can bring a variety of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms.

If you’re experiencing symptoms that disrupt the usual rhythms of your life, it’s best to talk with your doctor. They can outline potential treatments such as hormone replacement therapy and medications to prevent or treat osteoporosis.

It’s particularly important to talk with a doctor if you experience postmenopausal bleeding. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the cause is often nothing serious, but it’s best to rule out any other potential causes.

Menopause can also affect your mental health. Decreasing levels of estrogen and progesterone may cause feelings of stress, anxiety, and fear, along with uncomfortable physical symptoms like hot flashes and sweating.

If you experience symptoms of depression, you can reach out to a mental health professional for talk therapy or antidepressant drug therapy.

Frequently asked questions

Can I test myself for menopause?

You can use an at-home menopause test to measure your FSH level, which increases during menopause. However, these kits are not a surefire way of testing for menopause.

Nevertheless, if you use the tests, monitor your symptoms, and track your menstrual cycles, you’ll have a good overall understanding of your menopausal status.

A doctor can make a diagnosis of menopause depending on your symptoms, medical history, and a thorough health assessment.

Are menopause home tests approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?

Some menopause home tests are FDA-approved, but most are not. Overall, the FDA doesn’t review what it considers to be wellness tests, so there’s no guarantee that your results are accurate.

Keep in mind that these tests aren’t designed for diagnosis. Instead, they may provide information that can help you make informed decisions about your health. It’s always best to talk with a medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis and advice.

Can you self-diagnose perimenopause?

No, you cannot conclusively self-diagnose perimenopause. At-home test kits measure certain hormones, and these levels may suggest you are in menopause or perimenopause. However, the results are qualitative, meaning they cannot definitively diagnose perimenopause. Still, they are a useful tool to help you and your doctor determine if further testing is needed.

What age does perimenopause usually start?

Perimenopause typically begins in the mid to late 40s. If you menstruate, you’ll likely experience menopause between ages 40 and 58, according to NAMS. But some people go through early menopause before this time. Usually, the transitional phase of perimenopause begins around 4 to 8 years before this.

The menstrual cycle becomes variable during perimenopause. And eventually, it stops completely. You’ve transitioned through menopause following 12 months with no menstrual periods.

Takeaway

Menopause marks the official end of menstruation. Perimenopause describes the years leading up to menopause, when the menstrual cycle gradually stops, accompanied by hormonal, emotional, and physical changes.

At-home menopause tests can help you learn about your hormone levels and check if you’re transitioning toward menopause. While they can’t tell you definitively that you’re in menopause or perimenopause, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor anyway.

It’s also a good idea to discuss menopause symptoms with a doctor if they’re disrupting your life. They can suggest ways of managing them and rule out any other potential causes.

Zia Sherrell is a health copywriter and digital health journalist with over a decade of experience covering diverse topics from public health to medical cannabis, nutrition, and biomedical science. Her mission is to empower and educate people by bringing health matters to life with engaging, evidence-based writing.