The test

In women elevated levels of FSH are associated with the menopause. This FSH menopause test detects FSH in urine at a concentration of 25mIU/ml or greater. It can help you determine if your symptoms are related to the menopause.

How likely is this test to be positive?

The menopause usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, but 5% of women can be affected at an earlier age. There are an estimated 5 million women going through the menopause at any one time.

What symptoms are linked with the menopause?

Symptoms of the menopause may continue for an average of 4 years and vary considerably for each woman. Symptoms may include the following:

• Irregular periods
• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Persistent tiredness, irritability and mood swings
• Vaginal dryness

Note:

The first morning urine contains the highest level of FSH and so is the best for testing. Do not drink excess fluids before carrying out the test.

• Store the test at room temperature
• Keep away from children
• Each test should only be used once and then thrown away after use.

How to perform this menopause test:

Read all instructions carefully before performing the test.

1. When ready to urinate remove the midstream menopause test from the foil pouch.

2. Remove the protective cap from the test to reveal the absorbent tip. Do not throw the cap away.

3. Hold the test wand by the thumb grip with the exposed absorbent tip pointing downwards and place directly into the urine stream for at least 5 seconds, until it is thoroughly wet. Do not urinate on the control or result window

4. Remove the test from the urine stream and replace the protective cap over the wet absorbent tip.

6. Lay the test wand on a clean, even surface with the viewing windows facing upwards, while you wait for the result. You may notice a pink colour moving across the windows as the test begins to work.

8. Read results at 5 minutes. Do not read the results after 10 minutes.

Results:

A line should appear in the control window and shows the test is working properly. If no line appears the test is invalid and you should repeat the test with a new dipstick.

Negative: If only one coloured line appears in the control window the result is negative. If a second line (the test window) appears below the first line, which is lighter than the first line, then the result is also negative.

Positive: If the second line in the test window is of equal or greater colour intensity (darker) than the line in the control window, this is a positive result.

Positive	Negative	Invalid

If the test result is positive, repeat the test one week later using the second dipstick to confirm the result. F.S.H. elevates for short periods in normal cycles but it is the extended elevation of F.S.H., which could indicate menopause. If the second test is also positive, your symptoms are probably due to the menopause and you should make an appointment to visit your doctor. If the test is negative but your symptoms persist you should also consult your doctor for advice.

Your doctor may discuss your symptoms with you and undertake further tests, he/she may also discuss the advantages and possible disadvantages of taking Hormone Replacement Therapy (H.R.T.) and give you advice on lifestyle changes.

PLEASE NOTE: each test is sealed seperately and comes with full instructions in a plastic bag