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Which Lab Tests Women Need at Every Age: From 20s to Postmenopause

Which Lab Tests Women Need at Every Age: From 20s to Postmenopause

By: Alexandria Delasantos, RN, BSN • Posted on January 19, 2026

Understanding which lab tests are most useful at different ages can help women focus on what truly matters for their health—without unnecessary testing or confusion. Hormonal patterns, nutritional needs and preventive health priorities shift over time, so the labs that are valuable in your 20s aren’t always the same ones that offer insight in your 40s, 50s or beyond.

Below I break down the most relevant tests by life stage to help women and their clinicians make informed, targeted decisions.

Ages 20–35

Why labs matter at this stage:

  • Fertility
  • Cycle irregularities
  • Energy concerns
  • Nutritional status

Labs commonly checked at this stage:

  • Testosterone (if symptoms)
  • Estradiol (if cycle issues)
  • Progesterone (ovulation testing)
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin B12

Ages 35–45 (Early Perimenopause Possible)

Why labs matter at this stage: 

  • Cycle changes
  • Fertility questions
  • Early hormonal fluctuations

Labs commonly checked at this stage:

  • FSH (sometimes helpful)
  • Estradiol
  • LH
  • Testosterone (total & free)
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin B12
  • Thyroid labs (commonly checked at this age)
  • Omega‑3 Index (preventive health)

Ages 45–55 (Common Perimenopause → Menopause Transition)

Why labs matter at this stage: 

Labs commonly checked at this stage:

  • FSH (may support diagnosis but not required)
  • Estradiol (context‑dependent)
  • Testosterone
  • Vitamin D
  • Omega‑3 Index
  • Vitamin B12
  • Progesterone only if still cycling and evaluating ovulation

Postmenopause (typically 12 months without a period)

Why labs matter at this stage: 

Labs commonly checked at this stage:

  • Vitamin D (very important)
  • Vitamin B12
  • Omega‑3 Index
  • Testosterone (if symptoms like low libido, mood changes, or low energy)
  • Estradiol only if on hormone therapy—not for diagnosis
  • FSH & LH no longer needed (they remain elevated normally)

As you move through each stage of life, your health needs naturally change—and the labs that help you understand what’s going on change too. Knowing which tests are truly useful can take a lot of the guesswork out of this transition and help you feel more grounded in your care.

When you focus on the labs that offer real insight, it becomes easier to stay proactive, have meaningful conversations with your clinician and feel supported in the choices you’re making for your long‑term well‑being.

Be Strong, Be Healthy, Be in Charge!
Alexandria Delasantos, RN, BSN
 

About Alexandria Delasantos RN, BSN

Alexandria Delasantos is the current Care Coordinator for Specialized Women's Health at the Cleveland Clinic helping women move through menopause with ease and confidence. Alexandria started working in Women’s Health in 2022 in hopes to build longitudinal relationships with patients through their menopausal journey.

Alexandria started her nursing career in Colorectal Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, then transitioned into management. She received her BSN at Notre Dame College where she was a National Delegate for the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA).

women's health, menopause, perimenopause, postmenopause, lab tests, menopause screenings, hormones, hormone therapy, estrogen, menopause symptoms, progesterone, testosterone, vitamin D, vitamin B12, omega-3

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