Postmenopause Panel (E2, P4)
Test ID: A893
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Introduction
This test is targeted towards women who have entered the postmenopausal stage of life and may still be experiencing some of the common symptoms of the perimenopausal transition (e.g. hot flashes and interrupted sleep). This test provides an analysis of two key hormones that decrease at menopause and remain low during the postmenopausal stage of life. It provides women with a better understanding of the natural hormonal changes that occur at menopause. Results from this test can be used to monitor hormone levels in women currently taking or considering hormone replacement therapy.
Estradiol:
Estradiol (E2) is a hormone naturally produced in both genders, with much higher levels in females. Estradiol is essential for female reproductive health, and also plays important functions in the skeletal system, skin health, nervous system, and cardiovascular system. During perimenopause (the transition phase around menopause), estradiol levels gradually decrease, although often in an irregular fashion. In postmenopause, estradiol levels remain very low, and this is the cause of many of the symptoms associated with postmenopause.
Progesterone
Progesterone is a female sex hormone that is essential for the preparation of the uterus for implantation by causing the uterine lining to thicken. Progesterone also acts in non-reproductive tissues, often in partnership with estradiol. Examples include estradiol reduction of bone resorption and progesterone stimulation of bone formation, and coordinated increases in nitric oxide activity to improve blood flow.
During perimenopause (the transition phase around menopause), progesterone production decreases and remains low during postmenopause.
Pricing
$99
What is Included?
Measurement of two important hormone levels with chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays:
- Estradiol
- Progesterone
Turnaround Time
1 – 3 business days
The turnaround time is not guaranteed. The average turnaround time is 1 – 3 business days from the date that the sample arrives at the laboratory. Shipping time for the sample is not included. Additional time is required if the case requires confirmatory or reflex testing, or if the sample is insufficient, or if a recollection is required.
Related Documents
Patient Brochures:
Estradiol Progesterone
Physician Brochures: Estradiol Progesterone
Additional Information and Resources
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS
Preparation Before Specimen Collection
Wait until at least three months after the cessation of hormonal contraception or hormonal replacement therapy before collecting blood sample for this test.
Specimen Type
Blood
Volume
50 μL in a microtainer
Container
Microtainer (regular blood tube)
Collection Method
This test requires a blood sample from a finger prick. All supplies for sample collection are provided in the kit.
- First wash and dry hands. Warm hands aid in blood collection.
- Clean the finger prick site with the alcohol swab and allow to air dry.
- Use the provided lancet to puncture the skin in one quick, continuous and deliberate stroke.
- Wipe away the first drop of blood.
- Massage hand and finger to increase blood flow to the puncture site. Angle arm and hand downwards to facilitate blood collection on the fingertip.
- Drip blood into the microtainer tube.
- Dispose of all sharps safely and return sample to the laboratory in the provided prepaid return shipping envelope.
NOTES: Avoid squeezing or ‘milking’ the finger excessively. If more blood is required and blood flow stops, perform a second skin puncture on another finger. Do not touch the fingertip.
Specimen Storage
Maintain specimen at temperatures between 2°C and 30°C during storage and transport.
Specimen Stability
Blood samples can be refrigerated or kept at room temperature for up to 7 days.
Causes for Rejection
- Incorrect or incomplete patient identification
- Incorrect specimen collection
- Inappropriate storage and transport conditions
- Incorrect specimen volume
TEST DETAILS
Purpose
To measure estradiol and progesterone levels in a blood sample to gain a better understanding of your hormonal changes that follow menopause.
Limitations
- This report is not intended for use in medico-legal applications.
- These results should be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical information.
- Correct specimen collection and handling is required for optimal assay performance.
- Assay interference may occur in specimens from individuals routinely exposed to animals or to animal serum products. Additional clinical or diagnostic information may be required for these specimens.
- False results may occur in specimens from individuals that have received preparations of mouse monoclonal antibodies for diagnosis or therapy. Additional clinical or diagnostic information may be required for these specimens.
- Results obtained from different assay methods should not be used interchangeably in serial testing.
Methodology
Chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays:
Alinity i Estradiol assay
Alinity i Progesterone assay
Reference Intervals
Estradiol:
Normal menstruating females
– Follicular phase: 20 – 350 pg/mL
– Mid-cycle: 150 – 750 pg/mL
– Luteal phase: 30 – 450 pg/mL
Postmenopausal females: ≤ 20 pg/mL
These reference ranges were obtained from Pagana KD, Pagana TJ, Pagana TN. Mosby’s Diagnostic & Laboratory Test Reference. 15th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Elsevier; 2021.
Progesterone:
Normal menstruating females
– Follicular phase: < 0.5 ng/mL
– Luteal phase: 3.0 – 25.0 ng/mL
Postmenopausal females: < 0.4 ng/mL
Pregnant females
– First trimester: 7.25 – 44.0 ng/mL
– Second trimester: 19.5 – 82.5 ng/mL
– Third trimester: 65.0 – 229.0 ng/mL
These reference ranges were obtained from Pagana KD, Pagana TJ, Pagana TN. Mosby’s Diagnostic & Laboratory Test Reference. 15th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Elsevier; 2021.