Latest news with #TaraScott
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The best menopause test kit for 2025, tested and reviewed
If you've been feeling more irritable, forgetful or experiencing poor sleep and unusual menstrual cycles, it could be a sign that menopause is approaching. Perimenopause, the time leading up to menopause, usually starts in women between the ages of 45 and 55, but can occur as early as 35. Spikes and dips in estrogen along with declining progesterone can cause a range of new mood and physical symptoms, including changes to your menstrual officially begins when a woman has gone twelve months without a menstrual period or any vaginal bleeding, explains ob-gyn Felice Gersh. Perimenopause lasts about four to 10 years and involves hormonal fluctuations and declining fertility, she estimated 85% of women going through "the change" end up experiencing menopause symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, vaginal dryness, joint aches or heart palpitations, all of which help signal that menopause is approaching. But even if you're symptom-free, you may be curious about your hormone profile and whether you're entering perimenopause or menopause. At-home menopause test kits are easy-to-use tools to monitor female sex hormones to determine whether you've started the kits, which can be bought over the counter or online, assess different levels of female sex hormones including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (a form of estrogen) and progesterone. Results can help you monitor changes to your hormone profile which may help indicate whether or not perimenopause or menopause are near. That said, using an at-home menopause test isn't the same as a clinical diagnosis, says ob-gyn Tara Scott, who emphasizes that these tests can give you a general indication of hormonal fluctuations, but that you should always see your ob-gyn for a more thorough diagnosis. Scott also says that the accuracy of these kits are affected by normal hormone fluctuations. "The results themselves can vary based on what day of your cycle you test," she a woman in the perimenopausal age range, I was very curious about these kits and was ready to do the research and testing necessary to get an idea of my own hormone levels. So, to better understand at-home menopause tests and narrow down the best options, I spoke with six experts, including board-certified ob-gyns and internal medicine physicians. Then, I personally tested eight products, considering factors like accuracy, hormones tested, cost and convenience. Here are the top five at-home menopause test picks based on the results. Best overall menopause test kit More at-home menopause test kits we like for 2025 What is a menopause test kit? Factors to consider when purchasing an at-home menopause test kit How we tested FAQs Other kits we tested Meet our experts Update, June 27, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for the best menopause test kit remains unchanged. (back to top) (back to top) Menopause tests typically assess one or more of the following hormones: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the growth and maturation of the ovarian follicles containing eggs. "When your ovaries are out of business and estrogen levels tank, FSH rises in an attempt to get your ovaries to make some estrogen," explains menopause expert, professor and OB-GYN Lauren Streicher. Luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers ovulation, the release of an egg from a mature follicle. It also stimulates the release of progesterone, which supports a potential pregnancy. Like FSH, LH levels increase during menopause as the body attempts to stimulate the ovaries. Estradiol, a form of estrogen, is the primary female sex hormone. It regulates the menstrual cycle and maintains reproductive health. According to ob-gyn Bruce Dorr, estrogen affects tissues and systems throughout the body. It decreases sharply during menopause, which is why some menopause test kits take this hormone into account. Progesterone thickens the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, to prepare it for egg implantation. Like with estrogen, progesterone levels fall significantly during the menopause transition. (back to top) If you're shopping for an at-home menopause test kit, considering these factors can help you find the best fit. Hormone(s) tested: Different kits test for various hormones associated with menopause, such as estrogen, progesterone, LH and FSH. Your choice of kit depends on the hormones you want to monitor, as some tests offer a broader hormonal profile than others, which affects the accuracy of results, advises Goldberg. Accuracy and reliability: Sharp recommends choosing a test that's been clinically validated and has a reputation for providing reliable results. She says the most accurate options are lab blood draws rather than home draws. Speed of results: Goldberg points out that some tests return results within minutes, whereas others may return results in a matter of days. While it may be tempting to opt for the easiest, fastest test available, Dorr says that the increased accuracy of more comprehensive tests will serve you better in the long run. Brand reputation and reviews: Goldberg recommends reviewing the brand's history and assessing the feedback of other users. "This should grant you knowledge of how well the tests work and how the customer service is at that company," she says. Price and value: Cost should be balanced against quality, says Goldberg. "Sometimes spending a bit more gives improved accuracy and added benefits, which makes it an investment," she points out. (back to top) To find the best home menopause test kits, I tested eight products to get an impression of my own hormone profile and to confirm whether I might be entering perimenopause or menopause. I also used expert input, interviewing five board-certified ob-gyn doctors and a board-certified internist, using their advice to identify the most accurate options. Each kit was tested and evaluated on hormones tested, accuracy of results and ease of use. (back to top) Hormones can vary dramatically throughout the perimenopause years, says Gersh. She explains that while most of these tests can tell you if your hormones are behaving in a way that does or doesn't suggest perimenopause or menopause, they can't tell you for sure where you are in the transition and how your hormones will change over following weeks, months and years. "If you are very young and your test results suggest perimenopause or menopause, you should certainly see a physician to do more testing and possibly start a treatment plan," Gersh recommends. The best time to take an at-home menopause test is during the early morning, as hormone levels, particularly FSH, are more stable, advises Scott. "It's also recommended to take the test on the third day of your menstrual cycle if you are still having periods, as this provides a more accurate reading of your ovarian reserve," she says. Though she adds that if your periods are irregular or absent, you should follow the test's specific instructions for optimal timing. Yes, medications and other medical conditions can affect the results of menopause test kits, says Scott. She says hormone replacement therapy (HRT), birth control pills and fertility treatments can alter hormone levels, potentially leading to inaccurate readings. Additionally, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders can affect hormone levels, which might influence the test results — that's why it's essential to consider these factors and consult with a health care provider for accurate interpretation, Scott advises. If you have concerns about your health, you should always see your health care provider, urges Gersh. "Remember that menopause is a transition that occurs over many years. It's not a single event. In general, medical decisions are made based on a combination of factors, including a woman's age, symptoms, medical history, a physical exam, her healthcare and reproductive goals and a variety of test results," she says. Scott says at-home tests may provide inconsistent or incomplete information due to fluctuating hormone levels, medications and health conditions. Plus, they can't diagnose menopause definitively or assess other health issues comprehensively. "While they are cost-effective and allow for private testing at home, they lack the professional guidance and thorough interpretation that a healthcare provider can offer," she says. (back to top) Thorne Menopause Test: This test involves collecting saliva samples at home and mailing them back to a lab; results are available in eight to 10 days. While the collection method is straightforward, and I liked that a board-certified physician reviews the results, the kit is on the expensive side at $189. What's more, salivary hormonal tests are not considered accurate by the North American Menopause Society. Mira Hormone Monitor: Clarity Kit: I loved the comprehensive features of the Mira kit, which uses an AI-powered monitor to measure and track multiple hormones. However, the monitor makes the kit pricier ($259) than similar options we tested, and some users may find the technology and app interface too complicated. Deodoc Menopause Test: Containing two test strips that measure FSH, this rapid at-home urine test provides convenience and speed of use. However, it only contains two test strips, providing less accuracy than similar tests. (back to top) Bruce Dorr, MD, URPS, FACOG, a boarded certified ob-gyn and senior medical advisor for Biote Felice Gersh, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn, integrative medicine physician and expert at IPL hair-removal device Ulike Diana Goldberg, MD, a California-based ob-gyn and healthcare scientist at Health Strive Tara Scott, MD, FACOG, FAAFM, NCMP, board-certified ob-gyn, functional and integrative medicine physician and external medical adviser at Versalie Elizabeth Sharp, MD, IFMCP, board-certified internal medicine physician and founder and CEO of Health Meets Wellness Lauren Streicher, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and medical director at Midi Health (back to top) Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
One of New York City's last women's-only residences finds a new home in Brooklyn
Just in time for intern season, one of the last short-term residences for New York City women has returned. The Webster Apartments, a century-old nonprofit dedicated to housing female students, interns, and working women, reopened in a new Downtown Brooklyn location in May, two years after selling its aging building on the west side of Manhattan. The reopening marks a return to the Webster's roots and commitment to a boarding house style of housing that proliferated in New York in the early 20th century but has all but disappeared. It offers a relatively affordable option for students and professionals as the city continues to deal with a deep housing shortage that's left more than half of households rent-burdened. By subscribing, you are agreeing to Yahoo's Terms and Privacy Policy At the Webster, women can stay for as little as four weeks or as long as five years. Monthly rates start at $2,000 for a shared room and $2,800 for a studio, with discounts available for early signees. There's space for about 150 women. On average, studios elsewhere in the neighborhood rent for $3,540, according to Rent Hop, or $3,965 a few subway stops away on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Read more: 12 types of popular houses for renters and buyers 'We're really trying to make it feel like a home,' said Tara Scott, who oversees admissions and marketing. 'I think we're getting there.' Women-only residences began springing up in New York in the early 1900s in response to the manufacturing boom, which created new demand for labor and made it more common for women to take jobs outside the home. But even as jobs for women became available, it was still considered somewhat scandalous for young, unmarried women to live alone in the city. Many also struggled to afford to do so on meager wages. The Webster opened in 1923 after Macy's executive Charles Webster and his brother donated money to establish a nonprofit residence for working women. The original location, at 419 West 34th St., was just a half-mile west of the flagship Macy's in Herald Square, where many of the Webster's first residents worked as 'shop girls.' 'Having been engaged for many years in the business known as a department store in the City of New York, and having employed a large number of unmarried women in that business, I have realized that the domestic environments of many of them are not conducive to their morals or health, and I have concluded to endeavor to improve the condition of some of them by giving them the opportunity to live in clean, well-ventilated, comfortable, and attractive apartments, with good moral surroundings,' Charles Webster, who died in 1916, wrote in his will, where he outlined his vision for the apartments. The nonprofit status meant rent was subsidized — women paid on a sliding scale based on their income — in a central Manhattan location. Rent also covered two hot meals a day and access to a rooftop terrace, library, and 'beau parlors' for entertaining male guests, who were forbidden past the first floor. The Webster wasn't the most famous women-only residence in its heyday. That honor belongs to The Barbizon Hotel, which was immortalized by one-time tenant Sylvia Plath in 'The Bell Jar' (in the book, it was called The Amazon), and whose list of other famous former residents includes Liza Minnelli, Grace Kelly, Farah Fawcett, Nancy Reagan, and Joan Didion. But while the Barbizon fell on hard times in the 1970s, later went co-ed, and closed in 2005 to be converted into condos, the Webster has remained, along with a handful of other women's residences, most of which are affiliated with religious orders. 'A haven' for working women Webster residents spanning multiple generations have fond memories of the space, with many praising it for helping them get established in New York. Regina Baumgärtner lived in the Webster in the 1980s after arriving from Germany on a work-study program. She recalls getting the chance to befriend people from all over the world, even though their cultures sometimes clashed. 'We girls from Europe had been sticking together, and then the Americans came to it and it changed the energy quite a lot,' said Baumgärtner, who now lives in Berlin. 'They took us to a lot of events, and we were very surprised about this openness and friendliness and trusting everybody.' A museum-loving Irish friend introduced Baumgärtner to some of the city's best cultural institutions, and she saw other parts of the country when she accompanied other pals on visits home to Chicago, Philadelphia, and Boston. Once, at breakfast, a tall American told Baumgärtner that she was shocked by her petite size, because she thought all Germans were 'so big.' 'I never forgot stuff like that,' Baumgärtner said. 'I think it helped to understand different cultures, and I think it's still a way of living in peace together.' Decades later, she remains close friends with Debbie Smith, who lived in the Webster at the same time as she was beginning her career in occupational therapy. In their free time, they'd hit nightlife hotspots like Studio 54 and Limelight, sunbathe on the roof deck, or pile into community rooms to watch television. 'It was a haven,' said Smith, of Greenville, S.C. 'It was this full experience to live in Manhattan, plunked in this gorgeous building.' By the 1980s, the no-men upstairs policy was fairly unpopular. Once, a pizza deliveryman made it to the fifth floor by walking past the building's elderly security guard, who had fallen asleep. The successful infiltration sent tongues wagging for weeks, Baumgärtner recalled. Two decades earlier, Maria Keenan said she didn't have a problem with the rules. She lived at the Webster from 1966 to 1967 while working as a bilingual secretary for tobacco giant Phillip Morris International. 'I was a Catholic girl,' Keenan said, by way of explanation. Young and still finding her footing in New York after moving from Chile in 1965 when she was 18, she appreciated that some of the building's older residents kept an eye out for violations. 'It felt good,' said Keenan, who now lives in Walnut Creek, Calif. 'Somebody was looking after me.' She frequented the roof with friends she made in the building, although in those days, sunbathing too long was risky. Exhaust from vehicles waiting to enter the nearby Lincoln Tunnel would leave them covered in soot, Keenan recalled. Modern realities By the 2010s, the nearly 400-room original building was becoming increasingly hard to maintain and out of step with the realities of modern living. Initially, the Webster's board planned to sell the space and construct a new one elsewhere on its oversized lot. But the onset of the pandemic complicated those plans. Instead, the board nixed the construction and opted to sell to another student housing nonprofit for over $50 million. After temporarily taking over a floor of a co-ed student housing complex across town, it began shopping for a new permanent home. 'We looked at a lot of hotels and a lot of different co-living buildings,' Scott said. 'It was sort of hard to find a building that fits the bill and allows us to continue to fulfill our mission as laid out by the original bequest of the Webster brothers.' Read more: Should you rent or buy a home? The new building is a 20-story, 128-room former hotel in Downtown Brooklyn, which Webster spent a year renovating and redecorating with an emphasis on blond wood and soft pink. Given former residents' love of the old location, finding a new space with a roof deck was a priority. The new building also offers a gym and free laundry facilities, but no kitchen. Instead, residents receive $100 a week in credits they can redeem for food delivery. Gone, too, is the prohibition against men upstairs. Scott said the rule lingered as long as it did in part to protect the privacy of women in the old building, who shared communal dorm-style bathrooms. The new rooms all have private bathrooms, and in surveys and focus groups, many women suggested relaxing the policy. 'The world has changed a lot since some of those policies were put in place,' Scott said. 'The way that women were seen at that time was very different.' The sliding-scale rent model was also eliminated after it became increasingly hard to manage as wages in many, but not all, industries rose dramatically in the aftermath of the pandemic. The new location sits in a busy, transit-dense neighborhood that serves as the borough's commercial and civic hub. It's home to Brooklyn Borough Hall and a hulking federal courthouse. Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn's main artery, runs through the neighborhood, as does the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Though Downtown Brooklyn rarely lands on lists of iconic New York neighborhoods, high-rise residential construction projects have proliferated in recent years, adding thousands of new apartments, a Trader Joe's, a food hall, and a Lidl grocery store. The median rent in the neighborhood is $4,400, while the Webster's largest one-bedroom option tops out at $3,625. A subway ride to Midtown Manhattan takes about 20 minutes. So far, feedback on the new location has been good, especially from international applicants, Scott said. 'Brooklyn is seen as like, the hot spot, and a place where people want to be. We've received such a welcoming response from everyone hearing that we're here.' Claire Boston is a Senior Reporter for Yahoo Finance covering housing, mortgages, and home insurance. 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