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Diagnosis & Tests
Diagnosing menopause isn't always easy. Learn about how menopause is sometimes diagnosed, and about tests you'll want to take as your body changes.
Diagnosis
How do you know you're entering menopause? Are there tests that diagnose menopause? Find out here.
Tests
Home menopause test kits help you measure your body's follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, with the goal of helping you check for symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Do they work? One expert tells why she doesn't think so.
A follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) test measures the amount of FSH in a woman's blood and may help determine whether she has gone through menopause. Learn more in this in-depth article.
See what needs to be looked at and why if you have early menopause. This link will take you to another site.
Your osteoporosis risks increase after menopause. A bone mineral density test, or bone densitometry, can quickly measure the amount of calcium in your bones. Find out why you need this test, how to prepare for it, and the several ways it can be performed.
Age increases our breast cancer risks. The most effective way to fight breast cancer is to detect it early, through breast self-exams and mammograms. This article offers easy-to-follow tips on performing a breast self-exam.
Breast cancer risks increase as we age, so the best way to fight back is through early detection via mammograms and breast self-exams. Mammography uses special X-ray images to detect changes in breast tissue. Learn how to prepare for a mammogram, how often to get one, and what happens after the test.
The risk of cancer increases with age, so regular pelvic exams may help in early detection of certain cancers like ovarian cancer. Find out how often you need a pelvic exam, how the test is performed, and what other tests may be taken at the same time.
A pap smear is your best tool to detect precancerous conditions and hidden tumors that may lead to cervical cancer. How often should you have a pap smear after menopause? What symptoms should you watch for between tests? Learn here.
VIVELLE-DOT (estradiol transdermal system) IS AVAILABLE BY PRESCRPTION ONLY.
INDICATION
Vivelle-Dot is used after menopause to: reduce moderate to severe hot flashes; treat moderate to severe dryness, itching and burning in or around the vagina; help reduce your chances of getting osteoporosis (thin weak bones); and treat certain conditions in which a young woman's ovaries do not produce enough estrogens naturally. Vivelle-Dot 0.025 mg/day is only used to prevent osteoporosis from menopause. If you use Vivelle-Dot only to treat your dryness, itching, and burning in and around your vagina or if you use Vivelle-Dot only to prevent osteoporosis from menopause, talk with your healthcare professional about whether a different treatment or medicine without estrogens might be better for you.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Estrogens increase the chances of getting cancer of the uterus (womb). Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away while you are taking estrogens. Vaginal bleeding after menopause may be a warning sign of cancer of the uterus (womb).
Do not use estrogens with or without progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clots. Using estrogens with progestins may increase your risk of dementia (decline in memory and thinking skills).
Vivelle-Dot should not be used if you have unusual vaginal bleeding; currently have or have had certain cancers, including cancer of the breast or uterus; had a stroke or heart attack in the recent past (for example, in the past year); currently have or have had blood clots; currently have or have had liver problems; or think you may be, or know that you are, pregnant.
The most common side effects that may occur with Vivelle-Dot are headache, breast tenderness, and back pain.
You and your healthcare professional should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with Vivelle-Dot.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see Full Prescribing Information for Vivelle-Dot.
Ob-Gyn Laura Corio talks about the importance of exercise during menopause.
