Menopause Test: What It Is, What It Costs, and What It Tells You
If you’re 35 or older, trying to conceive, or wondering if your symptoms are linked to perimenopause, you might be considering a menopause test. Here’s what to expect — from the types of tests available to what your results could mean.
Author
Tassia O’Callaghan
Reviewed by
Kayleigh Hartigan
15 min read
Updated 31st July 2025
Spotlight:
- A menopause test checks hormone levels to help identify where you are in the menopausal transition.
- Blood tests often focus on FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), which typically rises as oestrogen levels fall. [1,2]
- Over-the-counter tests are available, but they don’t offer the full picture and may not be recommended by doctors. [3]
- The most reliable diagnosis of menopause comes from a combination of symptoms, blood tests, and medical history. [4]
- If you’re trying to conceive and think you might be perimenopausal, testing could offer helpful clarity — but isn’t always definitive.
- Test results can guide next steps around fertility, HRT (hormone replacement therapy), or further investigations.
What is a menopause test?
A menopause test usually refers to a blood test that measures hormone levels, particularly FSH. It’s designed to assess whether your body is entering perimenopause (the transition phase before menopause) or has already reached menopause (defined as 12 consecutive months without a period). [5,6]
While it’s often framed as a yes-or-no answer, menopause testing simply doesn’t work like that.
Hormone levels like FSH and AMH can offer clues, but they need to be considered alongside your full health picture — including your age, menstrual history, symptoms, and whether you’re using hormonal contraception. A meaningful diagnosis or insight comes from looking at patterns over time, not just a single test result. That’s why the most effective approach is a holistic one, guided by a healthcare professional who can interpret your results in the context of your wider hormonal and reproductive health.
How to get a menopause test
You can be tested for menopause through your GP or by ordering a private test kit online. Most menopause tests measure FSH, and some may also look at oestrogen (estradiol), LH (luteinising hormone), or AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone). [4]
Will my GP do a blood test for menopause?
Possibly — but not always. According to NICE guidance, most people over 45 don’t need a blood test for menopause if they’re experiencing typical symptoms like hot flushes or irregular periods. [7]
Your GP might offer testing if:
- You’re under 45 and have symptoms of early or premature menopause.
- You’re on contraception that masks your natural cycle (like the pill or hormonal coil).
- Your symptoms are unclear or need further investigation.
If you’re trying to conceive and are unsure whether symptoms are cycle-related, hormone-related, or linked to early perimenopause, it’s worth discussing testing with your GP — but be aware it may take some advocacy.
Is there a self test for menopause?
Yes, self-tests are widely available online and in pharmacies. These usually involve a finger-prick blood test or urine dipstick that measures FSH. Some come with digital readers or “stage indicators”.
But despite how convenient they seem (and how they’re marketed), these at-home menopause tests are not diagnostic and can be wildly inaccurate when used without a consultation from a medical professional.
FSH levels naturally fluctuate from day to day, especially during the menopause transition, which means a single result can be misleading. Hormonal contraception can also suppress FSH, making results even harder to interpret. [7,8,9]
Most importantly, there is no single test that can confirm menopause. Diagnosis should always be made with support from a medical professional, taking into account your symptoms, age, cycle history, and — if needed — a series of blood tests spaced weeks apart. Self-tests might spark curiosity, but they should never replace clinical advice or a thorough consultation.
One of the most helpful things you can do before testing is to keep a symptom and cycle diary. Note down changes in your periods, mood, sleep, energy levels, and any physical symptoms. This record will give your GP or fertility specialist a clearer picture — and can be especially useful when your hormone levels alone don’t give a definitive answer. You can track manually or use a dedicated menopause app like Stella, Balance, or Health & Her, which are designed to help you spot patterns and feel more in control as your hormones shift.
How accurate are over the counter menopause tests?
Over-the-counter (OTC) menopause tests are easy to find in pharmacies or online, often marketed as a quick way to confirm if you’re going through perimenopause or menopause. Most of these are urine-based and work by detecting levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a hormone that tends to rise as oestrogen declines. But despite how accessible they are, these tests don’t offer the accuracy or reassurance many people are looking for.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has been clear in its stance: OTC menopause tests are not recommended. According to their guidance, these tests provide a very limited snapshot by focusing solely on FSH, which can fluctuate widely not only across your cycle but also from day to day. This makes it difficult to draw any reliable conclusions from a single reading. A raised FSH result might indicate you’re entering menopause — but equally, a normal result doesn’t rule it out. [3]
These tests also don’t take into account key factors like your symptoms, age, menstrual history, or any medications you might be taking. In fact, if you’re on hormonal contraception — such as the pill or the hormonal coil — your FSH levels will be artificially suppressed, making the results of these tests largely meaningless.
Dr. Haitham Hamoda, Chair of the British Menopause Society:
“We would encourage women to seek support from a healthcare professional if they think they might be experiencing the menopause rather than purchasing these tests. Guidance from the National Institute of Care Excellence (NICE) recommends diagnosing perimenopause and menopause by looking for common symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and irregular periods.”
Treatment Essentials: Testing AMH Levels
How to interpret your levels, what high or low AMH results mean, and why knowing your AMH level is useful for fertility treatment.
How do I know if I'm perimenopausal?
Perimenopause can begin several years before your final period — sometimes as early as your late 30s or early 40s. But there are lots of potential symptoms that you might not realise are linked to menopausal changes, such as: [5]
- Irregular cycles
- Heavier or lighter bleeding
- Trouble sleeping
- Recurrent UTIs (urinary tract infections)
- Increased anxiety or low mood
- Brain fog or memory issues
- Drier, itchier skin
- Hot flushes or night sweats
- Sensitive teeth or gums
- Vaginal dryness or lower libido
- Heart palpitations
- Headaches and migraines
- Joint pains and muscle aches
- Weight gain
What can be mistaken for menopause?
Conditions like hypothyroidism, depression, vitamin B12 or iron deficiency, and even the natural fluctuations of your cycle can mimic menopause symptoms. That’s why tracking changes and speaking with a healthcare provider can help narrow things down. [10,11,12,13]
What are the first signs of menopause?
The first signs are often subtle. You may notice your cycle getting shorter or longer, with skipped periods or changes to flow. Mood swings, fatigue, and brain fog can sometimes arrive before hot flushes or night sweats. For some, perimenopause symptoms are cyclical — meaning they come and go throughout the month or vary in intensity. [14]
When is the best time to do a menopause test?
If you’re still having periods — even if they’re irregular — the most accurate time to test for menopause-related hormone changes is between day 2 and 5 of your cycle, counting day 1 as the first full day of bleeding. This is when FSH and LH levels are most consistent and gives a clearer read on your ovarian function. It’s also the window used by NHS fertility teams when assessing ovarian reserve. [15]
It’s also recommended to confirm raised FSH levels with at least two blood samples taken 4–6 weeks apart. [16]
If your periods have stopped or are too unpredictable to track, testing can be done at any time, but results may be harder to interpret and are often repeated to spot patterns. If you’re on hormonal contraception, testing may not be reliable — so your doctor might advise waiting or using symptom-based diagnosis instead.
At what age do you start testing FSH levels?
There’s no universal age. Some people may test in their 30s or early 40s if they suspect early perimenopause or are having difficulty conceiving. If you’re 45+, your GP may rely more on symptoms than testing — unless there’s a reason to investigate further. [7]
If you’re exploring fertility options, an FSH test might be part of a wider hormone panel, alongside AMH and oestradiol, to understand ovarian reserve and cycle dynamics.
Find the right clinic for you
Choosing a clinic is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. We’ll find the best options for you and arrange your pre-treatment tests, empowering you from this point onwards.
How much does a menopause test cost?
The cost of a menopause test can vary depending on where and how you access it. Some options are free through the NHS, while others involve private clinics or home test kits — each with different levels of detail and support.
Type of test
Where
What’s included
Average cost
NHS blood test
GP or NHS fertility clinic
FSH (sometimes LH, estradiol)
Free (if eligible)
Private blood test (FSH only)
In-clinic
FSH
£20–£150 (an average of £58.50)
Private hormone panel
In-clinic
FSH, LH, estradiol, AMH (varies by provider)
£130–£382.50 (an average of £259)*
At-home urine test
Pharmacies or online retailers
FSH (urine)
£2.95–£12 (an average of £7.75)
Costs may vary depending on the provider and whether results are interpreted by a clinician. Home tests are often cheaper, but don’t include follow-up support — something worth factoring in if you’re using this information to guide fertility decisions.
Private hormone panels tend to cost more because they go beyond FSH alone, often including AMH, oestradiol, LH, and thyroid markers — giving a fuller picture of your hormone health and reproductive status. If you’re looking for clarity or exploring next steps like fertility preservation or treatment, that extra detail can be worth the investment.
* Price based on private hormone panel for FSH, LH, estradiol, and AMH, based on a sample of 19 fertility clinics in the UK (research by Seen Fertility).
What does a positive menopause test mean?
A “positive” menopause test usually refers to a consistently elevated FSH level — often over 30 IU/L — which may suggest that your ovaries are becoming less responsive and your body is entering the menopause transition. But what does that actually mean in context?
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is made in the brain by the pituitary gland and plays a key role in your reproductive system. It stimulates your ovaries to grow follicles — the fluid-filled sacs that each contain an egg — and helps trigger ovulation. As oestrogen levels decline in perimenopause and menopause, the brain responds by making more FSH in an effort to “wake up” the ovaries. So, rising FSH is a signal that your body is working harder to achieve what used to happen more easily: ovulation. [17]
But FSH doesn’t rise in a straight line. Its levels fluctuate significantly day to day, and even more so during the menopause transition. This means one high result doesn’t automatically confirm you’re in menopause — and one low result doesn’t rule it out. For this reason, it’s recommended to FSH twice, at least 4–6 weeks apart, to help identify a pattern. Even then, results should always be interpreted alongside your age, symptoms, menstrual history, and whether you’re using hormonal contraception (which can suppress FSH altogether). [3]
Elevated FSH can also be a sign of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) if you’re under 40, or early menopause if you’re under 45. In these cases, the rise in FSH reflects a lack of feedback from the ovaries — meaning they’re no longer responding in the way they used to. In clinical settings, FSH levels are often used in combination with other markers like AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) or estradiol to assess ovarian function, particularly in fertility assessments. [17]
How do you confirm menopause diagnosis?
A clinical diagnosis is usually made retrospectively — after 12 months without a period. Hormone tests may support this, but symptoms and history are the most important indicators. If menopause occurs before age 45, it’s considered early. Before age 40, it’s classed as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). [4,6,18,19]
What if your tests show a diminished ovarian reserve?
If your AMH is low, it may indicate diminished ovarian reserve — which can, in some cases, suggest a higher likelihood of earlier menopause. While low egg reserve doesn’t automatically mean menopause is imminent, it’s a signal that your reproductive window may be narrowing. This is particularly relevant if you’re trying to conceive, as egg quantity and quality both tend to decline in the years leading up to menopause. [20]
What happens after a menopause test?
Your next steps depend on what the test shows — and why you took it in the first place.
- If you’re trying to conceive, your results may guide next steps like fertility preservation, IVF with your own or donor eggs, or adjusting your timeline.
- If you’re managing symptoms, your GP may discuss treatment options like HRT, lifestyle changes, or referrals to menopause specialists. [5,21]
- If results are inconclusive, you may be asked to repeat the test in a few weeks or months.
Your NHS Eligibility
Use our NHS IVF Eligibility Calculator to discover if you can access free IVF and IUI.
Booking your menopause test
If you’re considering a menopause test, it’s a good idea to speak to your GP first. They can advise whether testing is appropriate based on your symptoms, age, and any relevant medical history — and in some cases, may arrange a hormone blood test through the NHS. However, if your GP can’t offer testing or you’re looking for quicker results and more tailored care, you might prefer to go private.
Private fertility clinics often offer hormone testing as part of a wider assessment. You can use our online directory to find a fertility clinic near you or, if you’re not sure where to start, try our Clinic Match tool to discover the best options based on your location, preferences, and stage of your fertility path.
Is it worth doing a menopause test?
It depends on your age, symptoms, and what you’re hoping to understand. If you’re in your late 30s or early 40s, trying to conceive, and beginning to notice subtle shifts — like shorter cycles, sleep changes, or brain fog — a menopause test might offer helpful insight into your hormone health and ovarian function. FSH testing (alongside AMH, LH, and estradiol) can support a broader fertility workup, helping you and your clinician plan next steps more proactively.
But if you’re over 45 and experiencing common symptoms like irregular periods, hot flushes, or night sweats, a test often isn’t needed. Menopause is typically diagnosed based on symptoms and menstrual history rather than hormone levels alone. That’s because the hormonal changes of perimenopause can happen in waves — and testing at the wrong time can offer more confusion than clarity.
Ultimately, menopause testing is most valuable when used to guide a clinical conversation — not as a standalone answer. If you’re seeking reassurance, exploring treatment options, or trying to understand how your age and hormones might impact fertility, a well-timed test interpreted by a healthcare professional can be a useful tool. But it’s not essential for everyone, and it should always be considered in the context of your whole health picture.
Menopause test FAQs
What is the first test for menopause?
The first test for menopause is typically a blood test to measure follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This hormone naturally rises as the ovaries begin to slow down and oestrogen levels fall. In some cases, especially for people under 45 or those with symptoms that could point to other conditions, doctors may also test levels of luteinising hormone (LH) or oestradiol. However, many clinicians start with FSH as a baseline, particularly if menstrual cycles have changed or become irregular.
Can I take a menopause test if I’m on the pill?
You can take a menopause test while on hormonal contraception, but the results may not be reliable. This is because contraception like the combined pill, implant, injection, or hormonal coil suppresses your natural hormone fluctuations — especially FSH — which makes it difficult to interpret test results accurately. These methods can also mask symptoms like hot flushes or cycle changes, making it harder to spot the signs of perimenopause. If you’re over 50, your doctor may recommend switching to a progestogen-only method to help assess where you are in the transition. In most cases, diagnosis is based on symptoms and age rather than blood tests alone if you’re using hormonal contraception. [5]
Can a menopause test help with fertility planning?
Yes, a menopause test can offer valuable insight for fertility planning — particularly if you’re in your 30s or early 40s and unsure how long your fertile window may remain open. By measuring hormone levels like FSH and AMH, these tests can help estimate ovarian reserve and even predict the likely timing of menopause, giving a rough idea of how quickly fertility might decline. This can be especially useful for identifying early or premature menopause, which affects around 1 in 100 women under 40. While not a guarantee of future fertility or egg quality, knowing your hormonal profile can support informed decisions about whether to try now, wait, or explore options like egg freezing. For those already tracking ovulation or experiencing irregular cycles, these tests can add clarity — or highlight when it’s time to speak to a fertility specialist. [22,23]
Sources
1. https://primarycare.northeastlondon.icb.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Pathway-Menopause-09_2024.pdf
2. https://womensmidlifehealthjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40695-022-00079-6
3. https://www.rcog.org.uk/news/rcog-recommends-against-using-over-the-counter-menopause-tests/
4. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/menopause/conditioninfo/diagnosed
5. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507826/
7. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/menopause/diagnosis/diagnosis-of-menopause-perimenopause/
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279054/
9. https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/our-services/services-we-offer/pathology/tests-and-investigations/lh-and-fsh-gonadotrophins/
10. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/underactive-thyroid-hypothyroidism/
11. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/overactive-thyroid-hyperthyroidism/
12. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia/
13. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/
14. https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/later-years-around-50-years-and-over/menopause-and-post-menopause-health/signs-and-symptoms-of-menopause/
15. https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/documents/documents/patient-information-leaflets-a-z/you-and-your-fertility-journey/
16. https://thebms.org.uk/publications/consensus-statements/premature-ovarian-insufficiency/
17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535442/
18. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/early-or-premature-menopause/
19. https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/05-BMS-ConsensusStatement-Premature-ovarian-insufficiency-POI-APRIL2024-C.pdf
20. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3339896/
21. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/
22. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10009143/
23. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2010/jun/27/menopause-test-close-baby-gap