From the Research
Hormone Level Assessment in Perimenopause Diagnosis
- Hormone level assessment, particularly estrogen and progesterone, can aid in the diagnosis of perimenopause 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Studies have shown that perimenopause is characterized by erratically higher estradiol levels, decreased progesterone levels, and disturbed ovarian-pituitary-hypothalamic feedback relationships 1, 3
- The assessment of hormone levels can help identify the hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause, including the increase in estradiol levels and the decrease in progesterone levels 2, 4
Key Hormonal Changes in Perimenopause
- Estradiol levels are increased in perimenopause, with an average increase of 26% 2
- Progesterone levels are decreased in perimenopause, with some women experiencing insufficient or absent ovulation 2, 3
- The ratio of estrogen to progesterone is often imbalanced, leading to symptoms such as vasomotor symptoms, menorrhagia, and mood disorders 2, 5
Clinical Applications of Hormone Level Assessment
- Hormone level assessment can help guide treatment options for perimenopausal women, such as the use of oral micronized progesterone (OMP4) to alleviate symptoms 2
- The assessment of hormone levels can also help identify women who are at risk for certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease 2
- A better understanding of the hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause can lead to more effective treatment options and improved health outcomes for perimenopausal women 3, 5