Can Hormone Therapy Affect Menopause Blood Test Accuracy? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Hormone therapy can indeed affect the accuracy of menopause blood tests. When undergoing hormone therapy, particularly with estrogen and progesterone, the levels of these hormones in your bloodstream can mask the natural hormonal fluctuations that occur during the menopausal transition. This can lead to misleading results when testing for hormone levels that are typically used to determine if a woman is in menopause.

Menopause is characterized by a significant drop in estrogen levels, which can be reflected in blood tests measuring hormones like estradiol. If you are taking hormone therapy, your estradiol levels may remain artificially elevated, making it difficult for healthcare providers to accurately assess whether you have entered menopause. This is particularly relevant if you are experiencing symptoms that suggest menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, but your blood tests do not align with these symptoms due to the influence of the hormone therapy.

In your case, since you are experiencing symptoms such as palpitations, insomnia, night sweats, and fatigue, it is understandable that your doctor would want to evaluate your hormone levels. However, if you are currently on hormone therapy, the results may not provide a clear picture of your menopausal status. It is essential to communicate with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and the medications you are taking. They may suggest waiting until you have been off hormone therapy for a certain period before retesting your hormone levels to get a more accurate assessment of your menopausal status.

Moreover, the self-assessment score of 26 you received indicates that you are experiencing significant menopausal symptoms. The use of hormone therapy, such as the medication you mentioned (維妮娜錠), is often a valid approach to managing these symptoms. It can help alleviate discomfort and improve your quality of life during this transitional phase. However, it is crucial to monitor your symptoms and any side effects you may experience while on hormone therapy.

If you find that your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you have concerns about the effectiveness of the hormone therapy, it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may consider adjusting your treatment plan or exploring alternative therapies that could be more suitable for your situation.

In summary, while hormone therapy can provide relief from menopausal symptoms, it can also complicate the interpretation of blood tests used to assess menopausal status. It is essential to have open communication with your healthcare provider regarding your symptoms, treatment, and any necessary testing to ensure you receive the most appropriate care during this time.