Updated July 2026 · Informational only
Menopause + postmenopause workup
Labs after 12+ months without a period — bone density, cardiovascular markers, baseline hormones before HRT decision.
What labs to request
- TSH (thyroid often shifts at menopause)
- Lipid panel (cardiovascular risk rises postmenopause)
- Fasting glucose + A1c (insulin resistance increases)
- Vitamin D 25-OH (bone health)
- 25-OH vitamin D + calcium + alkaline phosphatase (bone markers)
- FSH (confirmatory if cycle history unclear)
DTC lab comparison
Compare home + clinic lab panels side-by-side
Each lab covers different markers. Quest is venous (most accurate). Everlywell is broadest panel. Mira is continuous tracking, not single-point. Pick based on what you actually need to learn — not on price alone.
| Provider | Panel | Cash price | Draw method | CLIA / CAP | Results | HSA/FSA | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quest DirectOwned lab | Comprehensive Female Hormone Panel | $199 | Venous (Quest / CAP location) | CLIACAP | 3–5 days | ✓ | Most accurate panel — venous draw at 2,000+ Quest locations. Best for PCOS workup or accurate testosterone. |
| Everlywell | Women's Health Test | $249 | Fingerstick (home) | CLIA | 5–8 days | ✓ | Comprehensive hormone + thyroid panel from home. Good if you want broad coverage a same-day collection. |
CLIA = Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (federal lab standards). CAP = College of American Pathologists (additional voluntary accreditation, stricter). Owned-lab = provider runs their own lab vs outsourcing to partner labs.