Do Menopause Testing Kits Work?

Over-the-counter testing kits for pregnancy, ovulation and COVID-19 provide meaningful results, but what about at-home menopause detection kits? “At-home menopause detection kits cannot say definitively whether or not you are in menopause,” says Meghan Rattigan, D.O., F.A.C.O.G., an OB/GYN at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

How Do Menopause Testing Kits Work?

“Menopause testing kits are at-home urine tests similar to pregnancy and ovulation tests,” says Dr. Rattigan. They work by detecting the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which plays a role in sexual development and fertility. Women who are in menopause usually have high FSH levels.

Are Menopause Testing Kits Accurate?

“These kits are 99.9% accurate at detecting the FSH hormone, but it's not the sole indicator of menopause.” This hormone has many functions, and FSH levels vary during a woman’s cycle. For instance, FSH levels are usually high right before ovulation.

Some test kits account for this variation and require you to randomly perform a series of tests over one month and log them into an app. However, these tests can’t confirm what stage of menopause you are in, and more importantly, they cannot tell you when menopause symptoms will end. Because of the variations, the FDA recommends that you see your doctor regardless of your results.

Are Menopause Test Kits Worth it?

“These aren’t something I recommend,” says Dr. Rattigan. “These tests don’t provide any real guidance on their own.” Unlike other over-the-counter tests, like those for pregnancy, ovulation or COVID-19, menopause tests don’t add much value. She says they could lead women who are ovulating to think they are in a stage of menopause, causing confusion and unnecessary anxiety. These tests can also be expensive.

“Instead of using a kit, it’s better to make an appointment with your health care provider,” she says. “Your doctor can explain what a high FSH test may mean and help you manage your symptoms.”

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Meghan Rattigan, M.D.
• To make an appointment with an OB-GYN near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
• Learn more about gynecology at Hackensack Meridian Health.