Frequently Asked Questions
Browse our frequently asked questions, if you can’t find an aswer to your question, please get in touch
General Questions
What data is held and how is this secured?
Any data held is encrypted and we continually assess our GDPR-compliance
Who generates the report?
The report will be generated by one of the team of menopause specialists who are all medically qualified.
Can I get a follow up test?
Simply contact us at info@menoguide.co.uk and we’ll be delighted to help you
How often is a repeat test recommended?
As part of your results, you will be guided as to the repeat testing interval. We would recommend a minimum of 3 months between tests
What if my test sample is contaminated or can’t be analysed?
If for any reason your sample is compromised or has issues when it reaches our lab, we will provide you with a replacement kit.
What if my test doesn’t arrive?
Tests are dispatched within 48 hours of request and delivery is estimated within 3 days. If you have not received your test please contact us at info@menoguide.co.uk
How long will it take to receive my kit?
Tests are dispatched within 48 hours of request and delivery is estimated within 3 days
How long will it take to get the results?
We aim to have the results back to you within 2 weeks but in exceptional circumstances this could be up to 3 weeks. If you have not received your results after 3 weeks please contact us at info@menoguide.co.uk
How accurate is the test?
This is not a diagnostic test so accuracy has not been determined. The test is based on presence of certain bacteria in the vaginal microbiome which appear when oestrogen levels start to decrease which is around the onset of perimenopause.
Why not use a blood hormone test?
According to the NICE guidelines, measuring blood hormone levels if you are under 45 may be useful to predict early perimenopause. However NICE do not recommend hormone testing for anyone over 45 as testing becomes much less accurate. This is because some ovary function is active and the hormone levels are varied during the day thus making it difficult to measure accurately and often they remain within the normal range. This variability makes it difficult to use hormone levels as an indicator for menopause.
How is this test different to a hormone test?
MenoGuide is a microbiome test, we measure the types and amounts of bacteria present in the vaginal microbiome. During pre menopause this is typically populated with one dominant bacteria, as oestrogen is reduced during peri menopause the presence of other bacteria can be found. The ratio of these bacteria and the types of bacteria can be mapped and used to identify if a woman is entering perimenopause.
How is it more reliable than a blood hormone test?
As oestrogen is reduced the pH changes in the vagina very slightly allowing for different bacteria to grow. The change in pH in the vagina needs to be sustained before the other types of bacteria will be found, thus the presence of these ‘change’ bacteria is much more stable over time.
Can I take the MenoGuide test if I am currently taking antibiotics?
The antibiotics could impact on the vaginal microbiome. Please wait 7 days after completing the course.
Please fill out our contact page if you want to find out more about our cutting-edge technology.
Phone
Location
Co-Workz, Flintshire
CH1 4QL
Office Hours
Mon - Fri
8am-6pm
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Accreditations
Agile Life Sciences has achieved certification to ISO13485 and operates an ISO15189-compliant laboratory quality management system.
