Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation but is usually not scientifically diagnosed until one full year after a woman’s menstrual periods have stopped. The period leading up to menopause, and the 12 months following, is known as perimenopause. Many women experience symptoms during this time including hot flushes, irregular menstrual cycles, sleep disorders, vaginal dryness, hair loss, anxiety and mood swings, short-term memory loss and fatigue. The onset of perimenopause is caused by changes in the levels of hormones in the female body that regulate the menstrual cycle. As the body produces less and less estrogen, it increases its production of FSH, which normally regulates the development of a female’s eggs. Therefore, testing for FSH can help determine whether a woman is in the perimenopause stage. If a woman knows she is perimenopausal, she can take the appropriate steps to keep her body healthy and avoid the health risks associated with menopause, which include osteoporosis, increased blood pressure and cholesterol, and increased risk of heart disease. The Yes! Menocheck Menopause Test is a rapid test that qualitatively detects the FSH level in urine specimen at the sensitivity of 25 mIU/mL. The test utilises a combination of antibodies including a monoclonal anti-FSH antibody to selectively detect elevated levels of FSH. The urine specimen must be collected in a clean and dry container. A first morning urine specimen is preferred since it generally contains the highest concentration of FSH; however, urine specimens collected at any time of the day may be used. WHEN TO START TESTING

1. If you are still having monthly periods, then the first test should be taken during the first week of your menstrual cycle (Days 2-7, with Day 1 being the first day of menstruation).
2. Repeat with the second test 1 week later.
3. If you are no longer having regular periods, the first test should be taken at any time during the month and the second test should be taken 1 week later.