Menopause BASIC package
Women entering menopause go through significant physiological changes that can affect the cardiovascular, endocrine, reproductive and bone systems, and even mental health. Therefore, a comprehensive systematic review for (peri)menopause that will cover key aspects of women's health is extremely important.
LABORATORY DIAGNOSTICS
Laboratory tests are crucial for assessing hormonal status, metabolic parameters and general health. Recommended searches include:
- FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone): elevated FSH levels are often the first indicator of menopause.
- Estradiol (E2): Low levels of estradiol indicate decreased ovarian function.
- Progesterone: used to assess ovulation and hormonal balance.
- Thyroid hormones (TSH, fT3 and fT4): rule out thyroid disorders that may have similar symptoms to (peri)menopause.
- Fasting glucose and insulin and postprandial glucose and insulin (after 120 min), HbA1c: to assess the risk of type 2 diabetes, which can increase during (peri)menopause due to hormonal changes.
- Lipidogram (cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides): due to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Vitamin D: important for bone health because a decrease in estrogen increases the risk of osteoporosis.
- Serum magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca): important for assessing bone health.
- KKS, iron (Fe), AST, ALT, GGT, bilirubin, urea, creatinine: tests important for health in general.
- HsCRP (so-called High Sensitivity C-reactive protein): a marker of inflammation, but helps to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Vitamins B6 and B12 and folic acid: important for the functioning of the nervous system and metabolism in general.
- Tumor markers: CA 125, HE-4, ROMA index (pre and/or postmenopause), CEA, CA 19-9 and CA 15-3.
COMPLETE GYNECOLOGICAL CHECK-UP
A gynecological examination includes a series of tests and evaluations to assess the reproductive health of a woman in (peri)menopause:
- Clinical examination by a gynecologist (including evaluation of vaginal dryness and atrophy): a common symptom in (peri)menopause that may require therapy.
*If necessary, treatment with PRP and radiofrequency is possible for an additional charge.
- PAP smear: cervical cancer screening should be performed regularly.
- Pelvic ultrasound: assessment of the thickness of the endometrium, changes in the ovaries and exclusion of pathologies.
- Personalized consultation on menopause symptoms: Counseling on possible therapies, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if necessary, and recommendations for further targeted diagnostic and specialist examinations, depending on each woman individually (e.g. urologist for frequent urinary incontinence, neurologist, physiatrist, physical therapy, dermatologist or psychologist).
CARDIOLOGIST EXAMINATION
Decreased estrogen levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The cardiologist's examination includes:
- ECG: to assess heart function.
- Blood pressure measuring: regular measurement is necessary due to the increased risk of hypertension.
RADIOLOGY DIAGNOSTICS
Performing radiological diagnostic examinations for the purpose of early detection of breast cancer and osteoporosis.
- Breast ultrasound or mammography: screening for breast cancer is necessary, especially due to the increased risk in (peri)menopause.
- Whole body densitometry: to assess bone density and detect osteoporosis, due to the increased risk in (peri)menopause for bone changes.
