Menopause is a natural and usually gradual change in glandular function in women resulting in substantial shifts in hormone levels.
The Postmenopause Panel™ provides measurements of six key hormones:

Estrone (E1)
Estradiol (E2)
Estriol (E3)
Progesterone (P)
Testosterone (T)
DHEA, DHEA-S (pooled)
The Perimenopause Panel™ contains the same components as the Postmenopause Panel™ but sampled twice, 13-15 days apart.
The inclusion of FSH and LH in the expanded Postmenopause Panel™ (ePostM™) and expanded Perimenopause Panel™ (ePeriM™), extends the interpretation to include pituitary involvement.
Patient Information
Peri – and Postmenopause Panels
The Diagnos-Techs™ Perimenopause and Postmenopause Panels (PeriM/
ePeriM and PostM/ePostM) use accurate, non-invasive salivary testing to evaluate
levels of various hormones that play a role in female reproductive function. These tests
provide insight into hormonal factors that may contribute to common menopausal
symptoms and are important for monitoring hormone levels in patients undergoing
hormone treatment strategies. The Postmenopause Panel involves a single saliva
collection and is ideal for women who have already transitioned into menopause. The
Perimenopause Panel involves two saliva samples collected approximately two weeks
apart and is the preferred test for women experiencing early signs of menopause such
as infrequent or unpredictable menses.
With the PeriM and PostM, saliva samples are used to assess:
• Three Forms of Estrogen:
- Estrone (E1) – Estrone is the predominant estrogen in postmenopausal women.
A significant portion of estrone production takes place in fat cells, and elevated
levels are associated with an increased risk for certain types of cancer.
- Estradiol (E2) – Produced in the ovaries, fat cells, and adrenal glands, this form
of estrogen has the strongest activity. Estradiol levels decrease after menopause,
which may contribute to bone loss, hot flashes, and other symptoms.
- Estriol (E3) – The weakest acting form of the three estrogens. Measuring levels
of estriol is important for evaluating overall estrogen status.
• Progesterone – Produced in the ovaries, levels of this hormone decline around
menopause. Progesterone is important for maintaining a healthy endometrium
in a normal menstrual cycle. The ratio of progesterone to estrogen is an
important factor in evaluating the risk of certain types of cancer in peri- and
postmenopausal women.
• DHEA – A hormone produced in the adrenal glands, which is a precursor to
estrogen and testosterone. Too much or too little DHEA can lead to abnormal
levels of these hormones.
• Testosterone – Usually considered a “male hormone”, testosterone plays an
important role in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, metabolism, energy
and libido in women as well. Elevated levels are associated with symptoms such
as hair loss, acne, and facial hair growth.
The expanded versions of these
panels (ePeriM and ePostM include
all of the previously mentioned
tests with the addition of:
• Follicle stimulating hormone
(FSH) - A hormone released from
the pituitary gland in the brain
that regulates estradiol production
by the ovaries. An increase in FSH
level is one of the earliest signs of
menopause.
• Luteinizing hormone
(LH) - Another pituitary hormone,
which regulates progesterone
production and plays an important
role in ovulation.
The Perimenopause (PeriM/
ePeriM) and Postmenopause
(PostM/ePostM) Panels may be
helpful for evaluating:
• Hot flashes
• Insomnia
• Depression or anxiety
• Night sweats
• Fatigue
• Changes in menstrual cycle
• Vaginal dryness
• Urinary incontinence
• Low libido
• Memory loss or difficulty
concentrating
• Bone loss or osteoporosis
• Loss of muscle mass
• Increased fat accumulation
• Risk of cardiovascular disease or
heart attack