Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can influence mood, energy, weight, libido, sleep, and overall wellbeing. In the UK, many women choose to monitor their hormone levels to better understand their symptoms and support conversations with healthcare professionals.
This Menopause Hormone Panel includes five essential hormones:
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DHEA
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Estradiol (E2)
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FSH
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Prolactin
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Free Testosterone
Each marker offers a different insight into hormonal balance. Below you’ll find a clear explanation of what each hormone means, typical UK reference ranges, and how results may be interpreted.
1. DHEA – Adrenal Support & Hormone Precursor
Why DHEA is important
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is produced mainly by the adrenal glands and acts as a building block for both oestrogen and testosterone.
Levels naturally decline with age and may contribute to:
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low energy
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reduced libido
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mood changes
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decreased stress resilience
Typical UK reference range (DHEA-S):
35–430 µg/dL
(Values decrease with age.)
What results may indicate:
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Low DHEA: age-related decline, chronic stress, reduced adrenal output.
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High DHEA: intense physical training or supplementation.
2. Estradiol (E2) – Primary Female Oestrogen
Why Estradiol matters
Estradiol regulates menstrual cycles, skin elasticity, bone strength, sleep, temperature control and mood.
During perimenopause and menopause, levels fluctuate and eventually fall.
Typical UK reference ranges:
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Follicular phase: 45–854 pmol/L
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Ovulation: 151–1461 pmol/L
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Luteal phase: 82–1251 pmol/L
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Post-menopause: often 18–140 pmol/L
What results may indicate:
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Low estradiol: consistent with menopausal transition.
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High estradiol: normal in ovulatory phase or influenced by HRT.
3. FSH – Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
Why FSH is tested
FSH rises when the ovaries become less responsive — a hallmark of perimenopause and menopause. It is one of the key hormones used to understand ovarian function.
Typical UK reference ranges:
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Follicular phase: 3.5–12.5 IU/L
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Ovulation: 4.7–21.5 IU/L
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Luteal phase: 1.7–7.7 IU/L
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Post-menopause: 25–135 IU/L
What results may indicate:
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High FSH: may be consistent with perimenopause or menopause.
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Low or normal FSH: typical for pre-menopause or early perimenopause.
4. Prolactin – Hormone Influenced by Stress & Sleep
Why Prolactin matters
Prolactin affects menstrual cycles, ovulation and libido.
Elevated levels can mimic symptoms of hormonal imbalance, which makes this test valuable in menopause assessment.
Typical UK reference range:
100–500 mIU/L
What results may indicate:
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High prolactin: stress, disrupted sleep, certain medications, intense exercise.
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Low prolactin: uncommon and usually not clinically significant.
5. Free Testosterone – Libido, Motivation & Energy
Why measure testosterone?
Women also produce testosterone, which supports:
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libido
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muscle tone
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energy
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motivation
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cognitive focus
Levels can change during menopausal transition.
Typical UK reference (total testosterone):
0.3–1.9 nmol/L
(Free testosterone values vary by testing method.)
What results may indicate:
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Low testosterone: reduced energy, decreased libido.
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High testosterone: may relate to PCOS, high-intensity training or supplementation.
Why this Menopause Panel is Useful
Together, these five tests provide a detailed look at:
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adrenal function (DHEA)
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ovarian activity (FSH + estradiol)
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hormonal balance affecting mood, sleep and libido
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stress-related hormone fluctuations (prolactin)
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androgen levels (free testosterone)
The panel does not diagnose menopause or any medical condition on its own, but it offers valuable insights that support personalised health decisions and conversations with healthcare professionals.