Concerns over the reliability of do-it-yourself menopause home testing kits have been raised by health experts, with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists clear that 'they are not a good method of detecting menopause or perimenopause.' 

Over-the-counter menopause tests 'are limited by only measuring follicle-stimulating hormone, rather than looking at the wider clinical picture,' Dr Haitham Hamoda, chair of the British Menopause Society and spokesperson for the RCOG, explained. 

He said: 'FSH levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and during the menopause transition. While elevated levels of FSH may indicate perimenopause or menopause, a negative test for elevated FSH levels does not necessarily indicate that someone is not in menopause or perimenopause. 

'These tests are also of no value if hormonal contraception is being used, as these work by suppressing the production of FSH. 

'The RCOG does not recommend over-the-counter menopause tests as they are not a good method of detecting menopause or perimenopause.' 

On its website, the manufacturer of one menopause home testing kit says it is 'a simple and reliable test to determine whether you have had your last period and reached the post menopause stage,' and promises a 'fast and reliable result within 10 minutes.' 

It says it 'can alleviate the worry and tension that normally affect women during their menopausal years, especially those women who display acute symptoms that can disturb the daily routine. 

'While menopause cannot be defined by a single simple test, the self-test kit measures hormonal imbalance, which is the most important indicator of menopause.' 

However, leading menopause and hormone doctor Annice Mukherjee, from the Society of Endocrinology, has told the BBC that FSH urine tests are 'another example of exploitation of mid-life women by the commercial menopause industry, who have financial conflicts of interest.' 

She accused them of using misleading information about 'FSH sometimes being a helpful marker of menopause' and called the perimenopause a 'hormone rollercoaster.' 

'It's not helpful for women to access [FSH] directly,' she said. 

'It is not a reliable marker of perimenopause and can causes more confusion among women taking the test. 

'At worst, misinterpretation of results can cause harm.' 

For example, a women might interpret a high reading to mean she is menopausal and unlikely to be fertile - but high FSH can also be seen just before the ovary releases an egg, so she could become pregnant. 

Dr Hamoda said: 'We would encourage women to seek support from a healthcare professional if they think they might be experiencing the menopause, rather than purchasing these tests. 

'Guidance from the National Institute of Care Excellence recommends diagnosing perimenopause and menopause by looking for common symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and irregular periods.' 

Today (June 10), the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Society for Endocrinology have produced a joint position statement to provide guidance to healthcare practitioners who offer care to women experiencing the menopause. 

The recommendations include that: 

• All women should be able to access advice on how they can optimise their menopause transition and the years beyond. There should be an individualised approach in assessing women experiencing the menopause, with particular reference to lifestyle advice, diet modification, as well as discussion of the role of interventions, including HRT. 

• Alternative therapies, including cognitive behavioural therapy, may also improve hot flushes, nights sweats and other menopausal symptoms and can be considered in women who do not wish to take HRT or have contraindications to taking HRT. 

• HRT, compared with placebo, has been consistently shown to improve menopausal symptoms and it remains the most effective treatment that is also associated with significant improvement in overall quality of life. 

• Current evidence suggests that oestrogen alone HRT is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer than combined HRT. 

• Women should be reassured that HRT is unlikely to increase the risk of dementia or to have a detrimental effect on cognitive function in women initiating HRT before the age of 65. 

• For most women, initiating HRT has a favourable benefit/risk profile. However, HRT should not be used without a clear indication and should not be used for the sole purpose of disease prevention. 

In conclusion, the joint statement says: 'Women experience the menopause in different ways. Whilst some women experience minimal or no symptoms going through the menopause, many women experience menopausal symptoms that can significantly impact their quality of life. 

'There should be an individualised approach in assessing women going through the menopause, with particular reference to lifestyle advice, diet modification, as well as discussing the role of interventions, including HRT. 

'Women should be aware that help and support is available to them and should consult their GP for advice.'