When we think of pregnancy tests, one brand tends to come to mind above the rest: Clearblue. From their reputation as the number-one pregnancy and fertility test brand in the country, Clearblue has become a household name when it comes to pregnancy tracking and reproductive health.
While it’s natural to only think pregnancy when thinking Clearblue, the brand has long offered tests for an array of reproductive-related processes aside from just pregnancy tests, including ovulation detection strips and fertility window tests. But, just this month, the brand has expanded their range of products to include an often overlooked and underfunded sector of women’s health: menopause.
Though variable day-to-day, as we get older, our follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels tend to rise, specifically as we approach menopause. The new Clearblue Menopause Stage Indicator is a one-of-its kind testing system that measures FSH levels over a series of 10 days to provide an average FSH level and thus provide insight into where in your menopause journey you may be headed. Ahead, senior director of research and development at Clearblue, Dr. Fiona Clancy, explains how to use this new technology and why it’s so innovative.
How does the Clearblue Menopause Stage Indicator work?
In addition to providing five urine test strips for measuring your average FSH level over ten days, one of the most exciting parts of the Menopause Stage Indicator is the app it comes with, Dr. Clancy explained at the launch panel for the product in New York City. “After you’ve downloaded the free app, you’ll be asked to input your age and your cycle history. You then need to take the five FSH urine tests over a 10 day period, and the test will then give you a negative or positive result, which you’ll then enter into the app. Once you’ve completed all five tests, the app will combine your test results with your cycle history and your age and indicate your likely menopause stage, which you can then share with your doctor for advice or next steps.”
The Clearblue menopause app goes beyond just averaging your test results. “You can continue to use the app to log any symptoms you might be experiencing,” Dr. Clancy explains, which has been a huge draw for women who are struggling with hormonal changes and aren’t sure how to properly express them to their doctors.
Why is the Clearblue Menopause Stage Indicator so special?
While the FSH level technology is exciting, Dr. Clancy explains that, at the end of the day, the Clearblue Menopause Stage Indicator system’s goal is to empower women. “We believe this product provides a tool for women who are searching for answers, and allows them to feel empowered about the symptoms they’re experiencing. We need to turn up the volume on the menopause conversation, and that’s what this product is doing.”
