How Can Inagene’s Women’s Health Test Help With Menopause?

How do genetics relate to menopause?

Menopause is a highly symptomatic time for many women. Following the first sign of the menopausal transition, an irregular menstrual cycle, it’s common to experience vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Other common symptoms include depression, vaginal dryness, and trouble sleeping. Some symptoms can last for years, with the potential to affect quality of life. 

But how does genetics affect menopause? While the understanding of genetic influence on women’s health and menopause remains limited, there is suggestion that vasomotor symptoms are influenced by genetic factors, and these genetic influences may differ across racial/ethnic groups. [1]

Women’s health genetic testing can analyze how your genes affect your response to medications used to manage symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes and mood changes. Developments in the subfield of pharmacogenetics (PGx), which examines the impact of genetic variants on response to medications, have made this kind of analysis possible. Understanding these genetic factors can play an important role in finding relief, minimizing side effects, and reducing trial-and-error during this important life transition.

Which genetic markers does Inagene’s Women’s Health test analyze?

At Inagene, we test for over 90 genetic variants. We’re committed to inclusive genetic coverage, with panels that contain not only well-established variants, but rare and diverse markers — particularly those possessed by individuals of non-European ancestry, which are often underrepresented. By incorporating data from a wide range of ethnic groups and continuously updating our variant databases, we significantly reduce the risk of misclassifying someone with abnormal medication metabolism or response as having a normal profile. 

Our Women’s Health test analyzes key variants across three major stages of women’s lives, including: 

Contraception: 

We test for variants in the F2 (prothrombin) gene and the F5 (Factor V) gene. These variants are associated with significantly increased risk of blood clots in individuals using hormonal contraceptives. Identifying these risks can help support safer and more personalized contraceptive choices.

Postpartum / Mental Health: 

Our panel includes comprehensive testing for CYP2C19 and CYP2D6, genes for two of the most clinically-validated enzymes involved in the metabolism of antidepressants. These genes help guide drug and dose selection for postpartum depression and anxiety — a time when getting the right treatment quickly and safely is critical.

Menopause / Midlife Symptom Management: 

The same CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 pathways are also key for understanding an individual’s response to non-hormonal therapies (i.e. SSRIs, venlafaxine) used to manage hot flashes during menopause. Menopause medication testing such as PGx can help tailor treatment and reduce trial-and-error during a highly symptomatic period for many women.

Together, these gene-drug interactions span the various transitions in a woman's life — from reproductive planning to mood support and symptom management in midlife, to urinary and bladder concerns later on — highlighting the strong clinical value of PGx-guided decision-making throughout a woman’s life.

Is it common for women to react differently to menopause medications?

Studies show that over 99% of individuals have genetic variants that impact their response to at least one medication. [2] Women are particularly at risk of experiencing medication side effects, with 50% of women being more likely to experience adverse drug events than men. [3] Our Women’s Health test accounts for different ways a woman’s genetics influences her response to medications used to support key stages across her life.

One area that is particularly important for women’s health genetic testing is menopausal mental health care. Women frequently experience notable shifts in mental and emotional well-being during this transitional period, with some individuals being more susceptible to depressive symptoms. [4] Your Women’s Health test results can help guide you to a mental health medication that is safer and with fewer potential side effects, so you can stay the course of treatment. 

How your doctor can use the Women’s Health test results

Our Women’s Health test makes menopausal medication screening possible to help you find safer, more effective treatment and symptom relief. These include antidepressants and antiseizure drugs, which can help with hot flashes, depressed mood, and night sweats. 

Personalized medication insights for each stage of menopause

The menopausal transition consists of three phases that take place, on average, over seven years. [5] While symptoms overlap between all three phases, certain symptoms may be more intense during one stage, and each symptom may require specific care. 

Early Menopausal Transition

Fluctuating hormone levels and irregular menstrual cycles characterize this transitional period that can last about 4 years (or more). The hormonal changes can lead to irritability, anxiety, and depression in some women. This period is also marked by hot flashes and night sweats. 

Menopause

Menopause is the first year after your final period. Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and difficulty sleeping are most common at this stage, as well as increased risk of depression due to hormonal shifts that accompany the end of menstruation. 

Postmenopause

While many symptoms of perimenopause and menopause usually diminish during post menopause, some may continue. Vaginal and urinary tract issues can become more prominent. 

Sharing test results with healthcare providers

After you receive your Women’s Health test results, you’ll have access to personalized medication insights you can easily share with your doctor through your Inagene account. It’s important that you consult with your healthcare team before making any changes to your medication — this is a tool to help them prescribe better for you.

You may also discuss regular screening for heart and bone disease since your risk changes during this time.