49Care launches Canada's first at-home menopause test
Approved by Health Canada
Canadian women’s health pharmaceutical company 49Care has announced the launch of SELF Menopause, the first at-home menopause test kit approved by Health Canada and now available in pharmacies across Canada.
SELF Menopause aims to help women to privately and conveniently track their menopause journey from the comfort of home, advancing accessible self-care for Canadian women.
The test kit is designed for women experiencing symptoms such as unusual tiredness, irregular periods, anxiety, or overwhelming stress - signs that may indicate perimenopause or menopause. The kit includes three easy-to-use urine tests that measure follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a key indicator of menopause status. With over 99% accuracy, SELF Menopause provides clear results to help women determine if they are in the very early stage of perimenopause, entering early menopause, or in menopause itself.
Unlike traditional testing, SELF Menopause requires no blood samples, doctor’s appointments, or app downloads. The process is simple, private, and can be completed at home in minutes. All SELF® products, including the menopause test, have been reviewed and approved by Health Canada, ensuring the highest standards of safety and reliability for Canadian consumers.
“Women deserve clarity and control over their health, especially during the menopause transition,” said Marion Ulmann, Executive Director of 49Care
“With SELF Menopause, we are removing barriers to information and empowering women to take charge of their well- being with confidence and privacy.”
Home menopause testing
The global market for home menopause testing is worth approximately $18.1 billion - and could increase at up to 7.1% CAGR, driven by more understanding among women about menopause and the demand for proactive health monitoring. Of this, FSH test kits are worth approximately $7.4 billion.
In 2023, leading pregnancy test makers Clearblue introduced its menopause test to measure FSH levels from home. At the time, experts cautioned their use. Dr. Samantha Dunham, co-director of the center for midlife health and menopause at NYU Langone Health, commented:
“These numbers always have to be interpreted in the context of the patient, and not just as a plus-minus test.
“A pregnancy test is a plus-minus test—you’re pregnant or you’re not. FSH is not a plus-minus test.”